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HARPER’S  CLASSICAL  LIBRARY. 


THE  WORKS  OF  HORACE 


TRANSLATED  LITERALLY. 


THE 


WORKS  OF  HORACE 


TRANSLATED  LITERALLY  INTO  ENGLISH  PROSE, 

BY  C.  SMART,  A.M., 

OP  PEMBROKE  COLLEGE,  CAMBRIDGE. 


A NEW  EDITION, 

REVISED,  WITH  A COPIOUS  SELECTION  OF  NOTES, 

BY 

THEODORE  ALOIS  BUCKLEY, 

B.A.  OF  CHRIST  CHURCH. 


NEW  YORK: 

HARPER  & BROTHERS, 

829  & 331  PEAKL  STKEET. 

18  68. 


Harper’s  New  Classical  Library. 


Comprising  Literal  Translations  of 


CiESAR. 

VIRGIL. 

HORACE. 

SALLUST. 

CICERO’S  ORATIONS. 
CICERO’S  OFFICES,  &c. 
CICERO  ON  ORATORY,  &c. 
TACITUS.  2 vols. 
TERENCE. 


JUVENAL. 

XENOPHON. 

HOMER’S  ILIAD. 

HOMER’S  ODYSSEY,  &c. 

THUCYDIDES. 

HERODOTUS. 

EURIPIDES.  2 2oIs. 

SOPHOCLES. 

^SCHYLUS. 


DEMOSTHENES.  2 vols. 


12mo,  Muslin,  Si  50  a Volume 


/ 9^ 


PREFACE. 

In  the  present  edition  of  Smart's  Horace,  the  trans- 
lation has  been  revised  wherever  it  seemed  capable  of 
being  rendered  closer  and  more  accurate.  Orelli's 
text  has  been  generally  followed,  and  a considerable 
number  of  useful  annotations,  selected  from  the  best 
commentaries,  ancient  and  modern,  have  been  added. 
Several  quotations  from  Hurd  on  the  u Ars  Poetica,” 
though  somewhat  lengthy,  have  been  introduced,  as 
their  admirable  taste  can  not  but  render  them  accept- 
able to  readers  of  every  class. 

THEODORE  ALOIS  BUCKLEY, 

CHRIST  CHURCH. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Quintus  Horatius  Flaccus  was  bom  on  the  8th 
of  December,  in  the  year  65,  b.  c.,  at  Venusium,  a 
town  situated  between  Apulia  and  Lucania.  Although 
a freedman,  his  father  possessed  competent  means,  and 
left  him  a comfortable  patrimony  on  the  banks  of  the 
Aufidus. 

To  the  education  of  our  poet  the  greatest  attention 
was  paid,  and  no  means  were  spared  to  endow  him 
with  the  highest  gifts  of  mental  culture.  The  severe 
Orbilius  was  his  guide  through  the  realms  of  Roman 
literature,  for  the  poets  of  which  he  seems  to  have  con- 
ceived an  early  distaste,  preferring  the  more  finished 
and  less  rugged  beauties  of  the  Greek  originals,  from 
whose  sources  he  was  himself  destined  hereafter  to  draw 
so  largely,  and  with  such  distinguished  success. 

The  life  of  Horace,  although  spent  in  the  society  of 
those  who  were  most  actively  mixed  up  with  public 
affairs,  is  rather  a detail  of  every-day  transactions  with 
the  ordinary  world,  a table-talk  of  private  acts  and 
feelings,  than  a succession  of  stirring  political  relations, 
exploits,  and  embarrassments. 


INTRODUCTION. 


viii 

While  engaged  in  the  study  of  philosophy  at  Athens, 
a study  which  was  hereafter  to  form  the  ground-work 
of  his  literary  fame,  the  assassination  of  Julius  Caesar 
brought  on  the  crisis  between  the  contending  interests 
of  Borne.  Horace  joined  the  republican  party,  and 
attained  the  rank  of  a military  tribune  under  Brutus. 
In  whatever  light  we  regard  his  flight  at  the  subse- 
quent battle  of  Philippi,  it  is  certain  that  the  disgrace 
was  shared  but  by  too  many  upon  that  day,  in  which 
the  Bomans  lost  their  last  hopes  of  freedom,  and  ex-, 
changed  public  virtue  for  private  luxury  and  refine- 
ment. 

With  the  probability  that  his  small  possessions,  like 
those  of  Virgil,  were  confiscated  to  remunerate  a sol- 
diery who  had  fought  against  their  own  countrymen, 
we  may  fairly  suppose  that  this  misfortune  first  tended 
to  develop  the  poetical  genius  of  Horace,  and  that 
his  necessities  became  a powerful  motive  for  the  exer- 
tion of  talents  which  had  been  chastened  and  ripened 
by  every  advantage  afforded  by  the  times.  Gradually 
his  powers  of  wit  and  repartee,  aided  perhaps  by  the 
propitiatory  oblation  of  little  poems  “ upon  occasion/' 
increased  his  friendships  with  the  great,  and  introduced 
him  to  the  intimacy  of  Maecenas.  A friendship  of  the 
firmest  kind  sprang  up  from  what  was  at  first  but  a 
distant  and  patronizing  courtesy,  and  Horace,  like  Vir- 
gil, henceforth  became  the  constant  friend  and  asso- 
ciate of  Maecenas,,  whom  he  accompanied  upon  the 
most  confidential  missions.  About  the  year  37,  b.  c. 
(for  the  date  is  very  uncertain,)1  Horace  followed  his 


1 See  Dunlop,  Lit.  Rom.  vol.  iii.  p.  201,  note. 


INTRODUCTION. 


IX 


patron  to  Brundusium,  where,  in  company  with  Coc- 
ceius  Nerva  and  Capito,  he  was  engaged  in  negotiating 
a reconciliation  between  Antony  and  Augustus.  A 
most  amusing  description  of  “ travelers'  miseries/'  in 
the  fifth  Satire  of  the  first  Book,  commemorates  this 
event,  and  gives  an  entertaining  picture  of  the  domes- 
tic habits  of  the  wealthier  classes  at  Borne  during  the 
Augustan  age.  In  accompanying  Maecenas  in  the  war 
against  Sextus  Pompey,  a storm  arose,  and  our  poet 
narrowly  escaped  being  drowned  in  the  Gulf  of  Velia. 
Nevertheless,  he  volunteered  himself  as  his  companion 
in  the  expedition  that  ended  in  that  decisive  battle 
of  Actium,  an  offer  which  Maecenas,  probably  out  of 
tenderness  to  the  health  of  his  friend,  declined  to  ac- 
cept. 

Maecenas  was  not  a mere  complimentary  friend,  but 
one  of  tried  liberality.  To  his  kindness  our  poet  was 
indebted  for  his  villa  at  Tibur,  and  to  his  intercession 
with  Augustus,  for  a grant  of  land  in  the  Sabine  dis- 
trict. The  emperor  even  offered  him  the  appointment 
of  private  secretary  to  himself,  but  he  declined  this 
honor,  as  it  would  have  separated  him  from  the  fre- 
quent society  of  Maecenas.  Augustus  bore  this  refusal 
in  good  part,  and  even  personally  encouraged  our  poet 
to  further  literary  exertions. 

Alternating  between  his  dwelling  on  the  then  healthy 
Esquiline  hill  at  Rome,  and  the  quieter  and  more  con- 
genial retirement  of  his  villa  at  Prasneste,  Horace  lived 
a life  of  Epicurean  enjoyment,  nor  wholly  untainted 
with  the  vices  of  the  times,  but  yielding  to  them  rather 
with  the  carelessness  of  a wit,  than  with  the  wanton- 
ness of  a voluptuary.  His  mode  of  living  at  home 


X 


INTRODUCTION. 


was  simple  and  unostentatious,  but  he  was  by  no 
means  insensible  to  the  pleasures  of  the  table,  especially 
in  society.  He  was  a kind  and  indulgent  master,  and 
a faithful  friend.  In  fact,  an  unruffled  amiability,  re- 
lieved by  a keen  and  well-expressed  perception  of 
other  men's  follies,  seems  to  have  been  the  leading  fea- 
ture in  our  author's  conduct,  and  the  guiding  principle 
of  his  writings.  The  beautiful  compliment  paid  to  the 
memory  of  his  father,2  is  unsurpassed  either  as  a de- 
scription of  what  education  ought  to  be,  or  as  a grate- 
ful tribute  of  filial  affection. 

At  the  age  of  fifty-seven,  in  the  year  8,  b.  c.,  Horace 
died  suddenly  at  Rome,  having  nominated  Augustus 
as  his  heir.  Maecenas  died  about  the  same  time,  al- 
most fulfilling  the  melancholy  prediction  of  his  poet 
friend,  though  it  is  uncertain  which  first  departed  from 
life.  In  death  they  were  scarcely  separated,  the  re- 
mains of  Horace  being  deposited  near  those  of  Maece- 
nas on  the  Esquiline  hill. 

The  popularity  of  Horace,  as  a writer,  is,  perhaps, 
unexampled.  Read,  recited,  and  quoted  in  his  own 
time  by  all  classes,  throughout  the  cheerless  period  of 
superstition  and  analytical  dullness  which  oppressed 
the  middle  ages,  he  was  one  of  the  few  bright  spirits, 
in  whose  jokes  and  geniality  the  Schoolman  might  for- 
get even  his  Latin  Aristotle.  His  works  became  a con- 
stant source  of  delight  and  imitation  to  almost  all 
subsequent  poets,  especially  those  of  Italy,  while  com- 
mentary upon  commentary  began  to  point  out  beau- 
ties, and  clear  away  difficulties.  His  manifold  imita- 


2 Satire  i.  G. 


INTRODUCTION. 


xi 


tions  of  the  Greeks,  especially  in  the  lyrical  portion  of 
his  works,  his  pungent  and  well-defined  sketches  of 
society  and  manners,  his  nice  perception  of  the  refine- 
ments of  archaeology  and  criticism,  all  in  turn  began 
to  call  forth  illustration.  Yet  much  still  remains  un- 
explained. As  with  Aristophanes,  so  with  Horace,  we 
continually  lack  knowledge  of  the  running  current  of 
fashionable  foibles  and  conventionalities,  the  happy 
delineation  of  which  constitute  the  essence  of  comedy 
and  satire.  Nevertheless,  imitations  in  every  language, 
in  none  more  abundantly  than  our  own,  attest  the 
masterly  power  of  Horace  to  interest  all  mankind,  and 
show  the  connection  that,  despite  accidental  variations, 
one  age  has  with  the  development,  one  race  with  the 
sympathies,  of  another. 


THE  FIRST  BOOK 

OF  THE 

ODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  I. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

Maecenas,1  descended  from  royal  ancestors,  O both  my  pro- 
tection and  my  darling  honor  ! There  are  those  whom  it  de- 
lights to  have  collected  Olympic  dust  in  the  chariot  race ; and 
[whom]  the  goal  nicely  avoided  by  the  glowing  wheels,  and  the 
noble  palm,  exalts,  lords  of  the  earth,  to  the  gods. 

This  man,  if  a crowd  of  the  capricious  Quirites  strive  to  raise 
him  to  the  highest  dignities ; another,  if  he  has  stored  up  in 
his  own  granary  whatsoever  is  swept  from  the  Libyan  thrash- 
ing-floors him  who  delights2  to  cut  with  the  hoe3  his  patri- 
monial fields,  you  could  never  tempt,  for  all  the  wealth  of  At- 
talus,  [to  become]  a timorous  sailor  and  cross  the  Myrtoan  sea 
in  a Cyprian  bark.  The  merchant,  dreading  the  south-west 

1 Caius  Cilnius  Maecenas,  who  shared  with  Agrippa  the  favor  and 
confidence  of  Augustus,  and  distinguished  himself  by  his  patronage  of 
literary  men,  is  said  to  have  been  descended  from  Elbius  Volterenus,  one 
of  the  Lucumones  of  Etruria,  who  fell  in  the  battle  at  the  lake  Vadimona, 
a.  u.  C.  445.  The  Cilnian  family  were  from  a very  early  period  attached 
to  the  interests  of  Rome,  when  devoted  alliance  was  of  value.  Anthon. 

2 Gaudentem.  This  word  is  used  to  denote  a separate  character,  him 
ivho  delights : thus,  desiderantem  quod  satis  est.  3 Carm.  i.  25:  him 
who  bounds  his  desire  by  a competency.  Fulgentem  imperio , 3 0.  xvi. 
31,  etc.  Anthon. 

3 Because  most  of  the  commentators  take  sarculum  for  the  plow,  I 
have  followed  them.  But  Torrentius  says,  that  the  Romans  used  two 
kinds  of  weeding-hooks  ; one,  when  the  corn  was  young  like  grass,  with 
which  they  cleft  the  earth,  and  took  up  the  young  weeds  by  the  root ; the 
other,  when  the  corn  was  grown  up,  with  which  they  cut  out  the  strong 
weeds  as  they  thought  proper ; for  the  weeds  do  not  grow  up  all  at  the 
same  time,  and  the  sarculum  being  no  part  of  the  plow,  it  can  not  be 
taken  for  it  by  synecdoche.  Watson. 

1 


2 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


wind  contending  with  the  Icarian  waves,  commends  tranquillity 
and  the  rural  retirement  of  his  village  ; but  soon  after,  inca- 
pable of  being  taught  to  bear  poverty,  he  refits  his  shattered 
vessel.  There  is  another,  who  despises  not  cups  of  old  Massic, 
taking  a part  from  the  entire  day,4  one  while  stretched  under 
the  green  arbute,  another  at  the  placid  head  of  some  sacred 
stream. 

The  camp,  and  the  sound  of  the  trumpet  mingled  with  that 
of  the  clarion,  and  wars  detested  by  mothers,  rejoice  many. 

The  huntsman,  unmindful  of  his  tender  spouse,  remains  in  ther 
cold  air,  whether  a hart  is  held  in  view  by  his  faithful  hounds, 
or  a Marsian  boar  has  broken  the  fine-wrought  toils. 

Ivy,  the  reward  of  learned  brows,  equals  me  with  the  gods 
above:  the  cool  grove,  and  the  light  dances  of  nymphs  and 
satyrs,  distinguish  me  from  the  crowd ; if  neither  Euterpe  with- 
holds her  pipe,  nor  Polyhymnia  disdains  to  tune  the  Lesbian 
lyre.  But,  if  you  rank  me  among  the  lyric  poets,  I shall  tower 
to  the  stars  with  my  exalted  head. 


ODE  II. 

TO  AUGUSTUS  CLfCSAR.5 

Enough  of  snow6  and  dreadful7  hail  has  the  Sire  now  sent 

4 Demere  partem  de  solido  die,  “ sine  ulla  dubitatione  est  meridiari , 
i.  e.  ipso  meridie  horam  unam  aut  alteram  dormire ; quod  qui  faciunt, 
diem  quodammodo  frangunt  et  dividunt,  neque  eum  solidum  et  b\oKkr\pov 
esse  patiuntur.  Yarro  alicubi  (de  R.  R.  1,  2,  5)  vocat  diem  diffindere 
institicio  somno .”  Muretus. 

5 Octavianus  assumed  bis  new  title  of  Augustus,  conferred  upon  him 
at  the  suggestion  of  Munatius  Plancus,  on  the  17th  of  January,  (XVIII. 
Cal.  Febri)  A.  u.  C.  727  ; the  following  night  Rome  was  visited  by  a 
severe  tempest,  and  an  inundation  of  the  Tiber.  The  present  ode  was 
written  in  allusion  to  that  event.  Anthon. 

6 Of  snow  and  dreadful  hail.  Turnebus,  lib.  vi.  cap.  8,  Appianus, 
lib.  iv.,  and  Dion,  lib.  xlvii.,  give  an  account  of  the  dreadful  thunder  and 
lightning,  snow  and  rain,  that  followed  the  murder  of  Julius  Caesar ; that 
many  temples  were  so  struck  down  or  very  much  damaged,  which  was 
looked  upon  as  a presage  of  the  horrible  civil  war  that  soon  after  follow- 
ed. Watson. 

7 Dirce , an  epithet  applied  to  any  thing  fearful  and  portentous,  as 
“diri  cometae,”  Virg.  Georg,  i.  488.  Orelli. 


ODE  II. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


3 


upon  the  earth,8  and  having  hurled  [his  thunderbolts]  with  his 
red  right  hand9  against  the  sacred  towers,  he  has  terrified  the 
city ; he  has  terrified  the  nations,  lest  the  grievous  age  of  Pyr- 
rha,10  complaining  of  prodigies  till  then  unheard  of,  should  re- 
turn, when  Proteus  drove  all  his  [marine]  herd  to  visit  the  lofty 
mountains ; and  the  fishy  rcae  were  entangled  in  the  elm  top, 
which  before  was  the  frequented  seat  of  doves  ; and  the  timorous 
deer  swam  in  the  overwhelming  flood.  We  have  seen  the  yel- 
low Tiber,11  with  his  waves  forced  back  with  violence  from  the 
Tuscan  shore,  proceed  to  demolish  the  monuments  of  king 
[Numa],  and  the  temples  of  Vesta;  while  he  vaunts  himself 
the  avenger  of  the  too  disconsolate  Ilia,  and  the  uxorious  river, 
leaving  his  channel,  overflows  his  left  bank,  notwithstanding 
the  disapprobation  of  Jupiter. 

Our  youth,  less  numerous  by  the  vices  of  their  fathers,  shall 
hear  of  the  citizens  having  whetted  that  sword  [against  them- 
selves], with  which  it  had  been  better  that  the  formidable  Per- 
sians had  fallen ; they  shall  hear  of  [actual]  engagements. 
Whom  of  the  gods  shall  the  people  invoke  to  the  affairs  of  the 
sinking  empire  ? With  what  prayer  shall  the  sacred  virgins 
importune  Vesta,  who  is  now  inattentive  to  their  hymns  ? To 
whom  shall  Jupiter  assign  the  task  of  expiating  our  wickedness  ? 
Do  thou  at  length,  prophetic  Apollo,  (we  pray  thee  !)  come, 

8 “Terris”  is  a Grecism  for  “in  terras.”  See  on  Virg.  Eel.  viii. 
101. 

9 Horace  alludes  to  a superstitious  opinion  of  the  ancients,  who  believ- 
ed that  thunders  which  portended  any  revolution  in  a state  were  more 
inflamed  than  any  other ; as  they  fancied  that  the  lightnings  of  J upiter 
were  red  and  fiery ; those  of  the  other  gods,  pale  and  dark.  Cruq. 

10  Wife  of  Deucalion,  king  of  Thessaly : in  his  time  came  the  deluge  or 
universal  flood,  which  drowned  all  the  world ; only  he  and  his  wife  got 
into  a little  shallop,  which  was  carried  to  Mount  Parnassus,  and  there 
staid,  the  dry  land  first  appearing  there.  When  the  flood  was  dried  up, 
he  consulted  with  the  oracle  of  Themis,  how  mankind  might  be  repair- 
ed ; and  was  answered,  If  he  cast  his  great  mother’s  bones  behind  his 
back ; whereupon  he  and  Pyrrha  his  wife  took  stones,  and  cast  them 
over  their  shoulders,  and  they  became  men  and  women.  Watson. 

11  The  Tiber  discharges  itself  into  the  Tuscan  Sea,  which  being  swollen 
by  tempests,  and  a prodigious  fall  of  snow  and  hail  (the  wind  at  the  same 
time  blowing  up  the  channel),  made  the  river  flow  backward  ( retorquere ) 
against  its  natural  course.  The  Littus  Etruscum  means  the  shores  of  the 
Tuscan  Sea,  into  which  the  Tiber  should  naturally  flow,  and  from  whence 
it  turned  upward  to  its  fountain-head.  Cruq. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


vailing  thy  radiant  shoulders  with  a cloud : or  thou,  if  it  be 
more  agreeable  to  thee,  smiling  Venus,  about  whom  hover  the 
gods  of  mirth  and  love  : or  thou,  if  thou  regard18  thy  neglected 
race  and  descendants,  our  founder  Mars,  whom  clamor  and 
polished  helmets,  and  the  terrible  aspect  of  the  Moorish  infantry 
against  their  bloody  enemy,  delight,  satiated  at  length  with  thy 
sport,  alas ! of  too  long  continuance  : or  if  thou,  the  winged 
son  of  gentle  Maia,  by  changing  thy  figure,  personate  a youth14 
upon  earth,  submitting  to  be  called  the  avenger  of  Caesar ; late 
mayest  thou  return  to  the  skies,  and  long  mayest  thou  joy- 
ously be  present  to  the  Roman  people  ; nor  may  an  untimely 
blast  transport  thee  from  us,  offended  at  our  crimes.  Here 
mayest  thou  rather  delight  in  magnificent  triumphs,11  and  to 
be  called  father  and  prince  : nor  suffer  the  Parthians  with 
impunity  to  make  incursions,  you,  O Caesar,  being  our  gen- 
eral. 


ODE  HI. 

TO  THE  SHIP,  IN  WHICH  VIRGIL  WAS  ABOUT  TO  SAIL  TO 
ATHENS. 

So  may  the  goddess  who  rules  over  Cyprus  ;1C  so  may  the 
wight  stars,  the  brothers  of  Helen  ;17  and  so  may  the  father 

13  JRespicis , “Thou  again  beholdest  with  a favoring  eye.”  When  the 
gods  were  supposed  to  turn  their  eyes  toward  their  worshipers,  it  was  a 
sign  of  favor ; when  they  averted  them,  of  displeasure.  The  G-reeks  use 
ettl^ettelv  with  the  same  meaning.  Anthon. 

14  Sallust  calls  Julius  Caesar  Adolescentulus,  when  he  was  thirty-six 
years  old ; the  same  age  in  which  Horace  here  calls  Augustus  Juvenem. 
Yarro  tells  us  this  last  word  is  derived  from  Juvare , as  if  this  age  were 
capable  of  rendering  the  most  considerable  services  to  the  republic.  San. 

15  Augustus,  in  the  month  of  August,  725,  had  triumphed  three  days. 
The  first,  for  the  defeat  of  the  Pannonians  and  Dalmatii ; the  second,  for 
the  battle  of  Actium ; the  last,  for  the  reduction  of  Egypt.  Dac. 

16  Yenus  was  invoked  by  mariners,  not  only  because  she  sprung  from 
the  ocean,  but  because  her  star  was  useful  to  navigation.  Cruq. 

17  Brothers  of  Helen,  Castor  and  Pollux.  Leda,  wife  of  Tyndarus,  king 
of  Laconia,  as  fame  goes,  brought  forth  two  eggs ; out  of  one  of  them 
came  Pollux,  and  Helena,  born  immortal,  begotten  by  J upiter ; of  the  other, 
Castor  and  Clytemnestra,  begotten  by  Tyndarus : because  those  brothers, 


ODE  m. 


ODES  OP  HORACE. 


of  tlio  winds,  confining  all  except  Iapyx,18  direct  thee,  O ship, 
who  art  intrusted  with  Virgil ; my  prayer  is,  that  thou  mayest 
land19  him  safe  on  the  Athenian  shore,  and  preserve  the  half 
of  my  soul.  Surely  oak20  and  threefold  brass  surrounded  his 
heart  who  first  trusted  a frail  vessel  to  the  merciless  ocean,  nor 
was  afraid  of  the  impetuous  Africus  contending  with  the  north- 
ern storms,  nor  of  the  mournful  Hyades,21  nor  of  the  rage  of 
Notus,  than  whom  there  is  not  a more  absolute  controller  of 
the  Adriatic,  either  to  raise  or  assuage  its  waves  at  pleasure. 
What  path  of  death22  did  he  fear,  who  beheld  unmoved  the 
rolling  monsters  of  the  deep  ; who  beheld  unmoved  the  tem- 
pestuous swelling  of  the  sea,  and  the  Acroceraunians23 — ill- 
famed  rocks. 

In  vain  has  God  in  his  wisdom  divided  the  countries  of  the 
earth  by  the  separating24  ocean,  if  nevertheless  profane  ships 
bound  over  waters  not  to  be  violated.  The  race  of  man  pre- 
sumptuous enough  to  endure  every  thing,  rushes  on  through 
forbidden  wickedness. 

The  presumptuous  son  of  Iapetus,  by  an  impious  fraud, 

as  long  as  they  lived,  freed  the  seas  from  pirates  and  robbers,  they  are 
said  to  have  received  power  from  Neptune,  the  god  of  the  sea,  of  help- 
ing those  who  were  in  danger  of  being  shipwrecked,  by  being  turned 
into  stars,  which  makes  our  poet  invoke  them  under  this  epithet,  “ Lucida 
sidera,  fratres  Helenas.”  Watson. 

is  The  W.  N.  W. 

19  With  reddas  and  serves  understand  ut,  which  stands  in  opposition 
to  sic.  “ Usus  hie  particulae  sic  in  votis,  precibus,  obtestationibusque  ita 
proprie  explicandus : ‘ Uti  nos  a te  hoc  vel  illud  optamus,  sic,  ubi  nostras 
preces  exaudieris,  hoc  vel  illud,  quod  tu  optas,  tibi  contingat.’  ” Orell. 

20  In  robur  there  is  first  the  idea  of  sturdy  oak,  of  which  the  Roman 
clypeus  was  made,  and  then,  metaphorically,  of  strength  of  mind  ; so  also 
in  (ES  triplex  there  is  allusion  to  the  Lorica,  hence  the  use  of  circa  pectus. 
M‘Caul. 

21  The  Hyades  are  a constellation  in  the  head  of  the  bull,  whose 
rising  and  setting  are  frequently  attended  by  rain,  from  whence  the  poet 
calls  them  Tristes.  Francis. 

22  What  kind  of  death  could  affright  him.  The  ancients  dreaded 
shipwreck  as  the  worst  sort  ef  death,  as  being  thereby  liable  to  be 
devoured  by  fish,  dashed  against  rocks,  or  cast  upon  an  uninhabited 
island.  Watson. 

23  The  poet,  with  a very  delicate  flattery,  calls  these  rocks  infamous, 
because  Augustus  very  narrowly  escaped  -shipwreck  on  them,  when  ha 
returned  from  the  battle  of  Actium.  Francis. 

24  Active,  as  “Genitabilis  aura  Favoni,”  Lucret.  i.  11;  11  penetrabiie 
fulmen,”  Ovid,  Met.  xiii.  857. 


G 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  T. 


brought  down  fire  into  the  world.  After  fire  was  stolen  from 
the  celestial  mansions,  consumption  and  a new  train  of  fevers 
settled  upon  the  earth,  and  the  slow  approaching  necessity  of 
death,  which,  till  now,  was  remote,  accelerated  its  pace. 
Daedalus  essayed  the  empty  air  with  wings  not  permitted  to 
man.  The  labor  of  Hercules  broke  through  Acheron.  There 
is  nothing  too  arduous  for  mortals  to  attempt.  We  aim  at 
heaven25  itself  in  our  folly ; neither  do  we  suffer,  by  our  wicked- 
ness, Jupiter  to  lay  aside  his  revengeful  thunderbolts. 


ODE  IV. 

TO  SEXTIUS. 

Severe  winter  is  melted  away  beneath  the  agreeable 
change  of  spring20  and  the  western  breeze  ; and  engines27  haul 
down  the  dry  ships.  And  neither  does  the  cattle  any  longer 
delight  in  the  stalls,  nor  the  plowman  in  the  fireside  ; nor 
are  the  meadows  whitened  by  hoary  frosts.  Now  Cytherean 
Venus  leads  off  the  dance  by  moonlight;  and  the  comely 
Graces,  in  conjunction  with  the  Nymphs,  shake  the  ground 
with  alternate  feet;  while  glowing  Vulcan  kindles  the  labo- 
rious forges  of  the  Cyclops.  Now  it  is  fitting  to  encircle  the 
shining  head  either  with  verdant  myrtle,  or  with  such  flowers 
as  the  relaxed  earth  produces.  Now  likewise  it  is  fitting  to 
sacrifice  to  Faunus28  in  the  shady  groves,  whether  he  demand 
a lamb,  or  be  more  pleased  with  a kid.29  Pale  death  knocks 
at  the  cottages  of  the  poor,  and  the  palaces  of  kings,  with  an 

25  Codum  ipsum  petimus.  In  allusion  to  the  fable  of  the  giants. 
Francis. 

25  According  to  Vegetius,  the  seas  were  unfit  for  navigation  “ex  die 
iii.  Id.  Novembr.  usque  in  diem  vi.  Id.  Mart.”  Orelli. 

27  The  ancients  used  to  draw  their  ships  on  shore  during  winter.  San. 

28  Faunus,  he  was  son  to  Picus,  father  to  Latinus,  and  the  third  king 
of  the  aborigines  in  Latium ; who,  because  he  taught  the  people  some- 
what of  religion  and  tillage,  was  accounted  a country  god.  And  that 
rude  people  might  be  kept  in  awe  of  him,  they  pictured  him  with  feet 
of  horn,  and  two  horns  on  his  head.  Afterward  all  the  gods  of  the 
woods  went  by  this  name.  Watson. 

29  This  use  of  the  ablative  is  common  with  ritual  words  ; so,  “facere,” 
“immolare,”  are  used.  Orelli. 


ODE  V. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


7 


impartial  foot.  O happy  Sextius  !30  the  short  suin  total  of 
life  forbids  us  to  form  remote  expectations.  Presently  shall 
darkness,  and  the  unreal  ghosts,31  and  the  shadowy  mansion  of 
Pluto  oppress  you ; where,  when  you  shall  have  once  arrived, 
you  shall  neither  decide  the  dominion  of  the  bottle  by  dice,32 
nor  shall  you  admire  the  tender  Lycidas,  with  whom  now  all  the 
youth  is  inflamed,  and  for  whom  ere  long  the  maidens  will  grow 
warm. 


ODE  V. 

TO  PYRRHA. 

What  dainty  youth,  bedewed  with  liquid  perfumes,  caresses 
you,  Pyrrha,  beneath  the  pleasant  grot,  amid  a profusion  of 
roses  ? For  whom  do  you  bind  your  golden  hair,  plain  in  your 
neatness  ?33  Alas ! how  often  shall  he  deplore  your  perfidy, 
and  the  altered  gods  ; and  through  inexperience  be  amazed  at 
the  seas,  rough  with  blackening  storms,  who  now  credulous 
enjoys  you  all  precious,  and,  ignorant  of  the  faithless  gale, 
hopes  you  will  be  always  disengaged,  always  amiable ! Wretch- 
ed are  those,  to  whom  thou  untried  seemest  fair  ? The  sacred 

30  Lucius  Sextius,  or  Sestius,  kept  up  a constant  friendship  with 
Brutus,  after  he  was  routed,  yet  was  commended  by  Augustus,  and  made 
consul  with  Cneius  Calpurnius  Piso,  in  the  year  after  the  building  of  the 
city  730.  Watson. 

31  By  “ the  unreal  manes”  are  meant,  the  shades  of  the  departed,  often 
made  the  theme  of  the  wildest  fictions  of  poetry.  Some  commentators, 
however,  and  among  them  Orellius,  understand  the  expression  in  its 
literal  sense,  “ the  manes  of  whom  all  is  fable,”  and  suppose  it  to  imply 
the  disbelief  of  a future  state.  Comp,  tl  6e  II Xovrov  ; M v6o$ ; CalL 
Epig.  xiv.  3.  Fabulce  is  the  nom.  plural,  i.  e.  Manes  fabulosi,  inanes. 
M‘Caul. 

32  A king  of  wine : it  was  a custom  among  the  ancients,  at  feasts,  to 
chose  a king,  or  master,  to  order  how  much  each  guest  should  drink, 
whom  all  the  company  were  obliged  to  obey ; he  was  chosen  by  throw* 
ing  of  the  dice,  upon  whose  sides  were  engraven  or  painted  the  images 
of  Saturn,  Jupiter,  Mars,  Apollo,  Yenus,  and  Diana.  He  who  threw  up 
Yenus  was  made  king;  as  Horace,  Book  II.  Ode  vii.  insinuates:  Quern 
Yenus  dicet  arbitrum  bibendi.”  Watson. 

33  I have  borrowed  Milton’s  happy  version. 


8 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


wall  [of  Neptune’s  temple]  demonstrates,34  by  a votive  tablet, 
that  I have  consecrated  my  dropping  garments  to  the  powerful 
god  of  the  sea. 


ODE  VI. 

TO  AGRIPPA. 

You  shall  be  described  by  Varius,  a bird35  of  Mseonian  verse, 
as  brave,  and  a subduer  of  3'our  enemies,  whatever  achievements 
your  fierce  soldiery  shall  have  accomplished,  under  your  com- 
mand; either  on  ship-board38  or  on  horseback.  We,  humble 
writers,  O Agrippa,  neither  undertake  these  high  subjects,  nor 
the  destructive  wrath  of  inexorable  Achilles,  nor  the  voyages  of 
the  crafty37  Ulysses,  nor  the  cruel  house  of  Pelops  : while  diffi- 
dence, and  the  Muse  who  presides  over  the  peaceful  lyre,  forbid 
me  to  diminish  the  praise  of  illustrious  Caesar,  and  yours, 
through  defect  of  genius.  Who  with  sufficient  dignity  will  de- 
scribe Mars  covered  with  adamantine  coat  of  mail,  or  Meriones 
swarthy  with  Trojan  dust,  or  the  son  of  Tydeus  by  the  favor  of 
Pallas  a match  for  the  gods?  We,  whether  free,  or  ourselves 
enamored  of  aught,  light  as  our  wont,  sing  of  banquets  ; we,  of 
the  battles  of  maids  desperate  against  young  fellows — with  pared 
nails.38 

34  He  alludes  to  a custom  among  the  Romans,  of  offering  some  votive 
tablet  or  picture  to  the  god  by  whose  power  they  thought  themselves 
preserved  from  shipwreck.  In  these  pictures  the  storm  and  circumstances 
of  their  escape  were  represented.  Dac. 

35  The  term  alite  refers  to  a custom,  in  which  the  ancient  poets  often 
indulged,  of  likening  themselves  to  the  eagle  and  the  swan ; Movouv 
dpvixec-  Theocr.  Id.  vii.  Anthon. 

36  Agrippa  gained  the  victory  in  two  sea-fights.  The  first  against 
Pompey’s  lieutenants ; the  second,  against  Pompey  himself,  besides  the 
share  which  he  had  in  the  battle  of  Actium.  Cruq. 

37  Perhaps  the  poet  intended  to  express  Ulysses’  appearing  through 
the  whole  Odyssey  in  two  characters,  or,  if  the  expression  may  be  allow- 
ed, in  a double  character,  such  as  a prince  and  a beggar,  etc.  Francis 

38  See  Orelli ; who  regards  this  conclusion  as  merely  jocular. 


ODE  YIL 


ODES  OE  HORACE. 


9 


ODE  VII. 


TO  MUNATIUS  I’LANCUS. 

Other  poets  shall  celebrate  the  famous  Rhodes,  or  Mitylene, 
or  Ephesus,  or  the  walls  of  Corinth,  situated  between  two  seas, 
or  Thebes,  illustrious  by  Bacchus,  or  Delphi  by  Apollo,  or  the 
Thessalian  Tempe.39  There  are  some,  whose  one  task  it  is  to 
chant  in  endless  verse  the  city  of  spotless  Pallas,  and  to  prefer 
the  olive  culled  from  every  side,  to  every  other  leaf.  Many 
a one,  in  honor  of  Juno,  celebrates  Argos,  productive  of 
steeds,  and  rich  Mycenae.  Neither  patient  Lacedaemon  so 
much  struck  me,  nor  so  much  did  the  plain  of  fertile  Larissa, 
as  the  house  of  resounding  Albunea,  and  the  precipitately 
rapid  Anio,  and  the  Tiburnian  groves,  and  the  orchards 
watered  by  ductile  rivulets.  As  the  clear  south-wind  often 
clears  away  the  clouds  from  a lowering  sky,  nor  teems  with 
perpetual  showers ; so  do  you,  O Plancus,40  wisely  remember 
to  put  an  end  to  grief  and  the  toils  of  life  by  mellow  wine ; 
whether  the  camp,  refulgent  with  banners,  possess  you,  or  the 
dense  shade  of  your  own  Tibur  shall  detain  you.  When 
Teucer  fled  from  Salamis  and  his  father,  he  is  reported, 
notwithstanding,  to  have  bound  his  temples,  bathed  in  wine, 
with  a poplar  crown,  thus  accosting  his  anxious  friends : “ O 
associates  and  companions,  we  will  go  wherever  fortune,  more 
propitious  than  a father,  shall  carry  us.  Nothing  is  to  be 
despaired  of  under  Teucer’s  conduct,  and  the  auspices  of 
Teucer  :41  for  the  infallible  Apollo  has  promised,  that  a Salamis 
in  a new  land  shall  render  the  name  equivocal.42  O gallant 

39  Tempe,  a pleasant  vale  in  Thessaly,  lying  between  the  hills  Ossa, 
Olympus,  and  Pelion ; the  river  Peneus  running  through  the  midst  of  it. 

40  Lucius  Munatius  Plancus,  whose  country-seat  was  Tibur,  or  at  least 
near  to  it,  and  therefore  not  far  from  Horace’s  country-house.  Watson. 

41  Teucer,  the  son  of  Scamander  Cretensis,  a king  of  Troy,  who  reign- 
ed with  his  father-in-law  Dardanus,  from  whom  the  Trojans  are  called 
Teucri.  But  the  Teucer  meant  here  was  the  son  of  Telamon,  an  excel- 
lent archer ; at  his  return  from  Troy,  being  banished  by  his  father,  he 
went  to  Cyprus,  and  built  there  a city,  which  he  called  Salamis,  by  the 
name  of  his  own  country.  Watson. 

42  Which  shall  be  so  like  that  Salamis  which  we  have  left,  in  glory 
and  grandeur,  that  it  shall  be  difficult  to  distinguish  them.  San. 

1* 


10 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


heroes,  and  often  my  fellow-sufferers  in  greater  hardships  than 
these,  now  drive  away  your  cares  with  wine  : to-morrow  we 
will  re-visit  the  vast  ocean.’7 


ode  vm. 

TO  LYDIA. 

Lydia,  I conjure  thee43  by  all  the  powers  above,  to  tell  me 
why  you  are  so  intent  to  ruin  Sybaris  by  inspiring  him  with 
love  ?44  Why  hates  he  the  sunny  plain,  though  inured  to  bear 
the  dust  and  heat  ? Why  does  he  neither,  in  military  accouter- 
ments, appear  mounted  among  his  equals;  nor  manage  the 
Gallic  steed  with  bitted  reins  ? Why  fears  he  to  touch  the 
yellow  Tiber  ? Why  shuns  he  the  oil  of  the  ring  more  cau- 
tiously than  viper’s  blood  ? Why  neither  does  he,  who  has 
often  acquired  reputation  by  the  quoit,45  often  by  the  javelin 
having  cleared  the  mark,  any  longer  appear  with  arms  all 
black-and-blue  by  martial  exercises  ? Why  is  he  concealed,  as 
they  say  the  son  of  the  sea-goddess  Thetis  was,  just  before  the 
mournful  funerals  of  Troy ; lest  a manly  habit  should  hurry 
him  to  slaughter,  and  the  Lycian  troops  ? 

43  This  is  the  usual  collocation  in  adjurations;  first  the  preposition, 
then  the  individual  entreated,  and  then  the  object  or  deity  by  whom  the 
adjuration  is  made,  and  last  the  verb.  Thus  Na*  npog  ae  ryg  cr)g  defrag 
evuhevov,  Eurip.  Hipp.  605,  where  Elmsley  remarks,  “ observa  syntaxin. 
Grsecis  solenne  est  in  juramento  aliquid  inter  Praepositionem  et  Casum 
ejus  interponere.”  Virgil,  also,  has  a similar  collocation,  iEn.  iv.  314, 
“ Per  ego  has  lacrymas,  dextramque  tuam,  te,”  etc.  Anthon. 

44  Amando  has  a passive  signification,  “ By  being  beloved.”  As  in 
Virgil ; Uritque  videndo  fcemina.  Instances  of  this  kind  are  frequent  in 
the  best  authors.  Dac. 

45  The  discus  was  a kind  of  quoit,  very  large  and  heavy,  made  of  wood 
or  stone,  but  more  commonly  of  iron  or  brass.  It  was  almost  round,  and 
somewhat  thicker  in  the  middle  than  at  the  edges.  It  was  thrown  by 
the  sole  force  of  the  arm.  San. 


ODE  IX.  X. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


11 


ODE  IX. 

TO  THALIARCHUS. 

You  see  how  Soracte46  stands  white  with  deep  snow,  nor  can 
the  laboring  woods  any  longer  support  the  weight,  and  the 
rivers  stagnate  with  the  sharpness  of  the  frost.  Dissolve  the 
cold,  liberally  piling  up  billets  on  the  hearth ; and  bring  out, 
O Thaliarchus,  the  more  generous  wine,  four  years  old,  from 
the  Sabine  jar.  Leave  the  rest  to  the  gods,  who  having  once 
laid  the  winds  warring  with  the  fervid  ocean,  neither  the 
cypresses  nor  the  aged  ashes  are  moved.  Avoid  inquiring 
what  may  happen  to-morrow ; and  whatever  day  fortune 
shall  bestow  on  you,  score  it  up47  for  gain ; nor  disdain,  being 
a young  fellow,  pleasant  loves,  nor  dances,  as  long  as  ill- 
natured  hoariness  keeps  off  from  your  blooming  age.  Now 
let  both  the  Campus  Martius  and  the  public  walks,  and  soft 
whispers48  at  the  approach  of  evening  be  repeated  at  the 
appointed  hour:  now,  too,  the  delightful  laugh,  the  betrayer 
of  the  lurking  damsel  from  some  secret  corner,  and  the  token 
ravished  from  her  arms  or  fingers,  pretendingly  tenacious 
of  it. 


ODE  X. 

TO  MERCURY. 

Mercury,  eloquent  grandson  of  Atlas,4*  thou  who  artful 

46  Soracte,  a hill  in  Italy,  in  the  country  of  the  Sabines,  consecrated 
to  Apollo ; which  now  is  called  St.  Sylvester’s  Mount,  because  a pope  of 
that  name  hid  himself  in  a cave  there,  when  Maxentius  raised  a sore 
persecution  against  the  Christians.  Watson. 

4 7 Appone.  Ponere  and  apponere  were  terms  used  in  arithmetic  by 
the  Romans.  Dac. 

48  Susurri.  This  word  is  formed  by  the  figure  onomatopoeia,  from  an 
imitation  of  the  sound  in  whispering,  as  in  Greek,  ijjLdvp^eiv,  in  Italian, 
bisbiglio,  and  in  French,  chucheter.  Dac. 

49  Atlas,  king  of  Mauritania,  and  brother  to  Prometheus ; he  was 
turned  by  Perseus  into  a mountain,  whose  top  was  so  high,  that  it 
reached  heaven,  and  is  said  to  bear  heaven  up.  Watson. 


12 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


didst  from  the  savage  manners  of  the  early  race  of  men  by 
oratory,  and  the  institution  of  the  graceful  Palaestra  : I will 
celebrate  thee,  messenger  of  Jupiter  and  the  other  gods,  and 
parent  of  the  curved  lyre ; ingenious  to  conceal  whatever  thou 
hast  a mind  to,  in  jocose  theft.  While  Apollo,  with  angry 
voice,  threatened  you,  then  but  a boy,  unless  you  would  restore 
the  oxen,  previously  driven  away  by  your  fraud,  he  laughed, 
[when  he  found  himself]  deprived  of  his  quiver  [also]. 
Moreover,  the  wealthy  Priam  too,  on  his  departure  from  Ilium, 
under  your  guidance  deceived  the  proud  sons  of  Atreus,60  and 
the  Thessalian  watch-lights,  and  the  camp  inveterate  against 
Troy.  You  settle  the  souls  of  good  men  in  blissful  regions, 
and  drive  together  the  airy  crowd  with  your  golden  rod,61 
acceptable  both  to  the  supernal  and  infernal  gods. 


ODE  XL 

TO  LEUCONOE. 

Inquire  not,  Leuconoe  (it  is  not  fitting  you  should  know), 
how  long  a term  of  life  the  gods  have  granted  to  you  or  to 
me  : neither  consult  the  Chaldean52  calculations.  How  much 
better  is  it63  to  bear  with  patience  whatever  shall  happen ! 

50  Menelaus,  the  son  of  Atreus  and  Aerope,  brother  of  Agamemnon, 
and  king  of  Lacedsemonia,  who  (when  Paris  had  stolen  away  his  wife 
Helen)  called  together  all  the  princes  of  Greece  to  take  revenge  on  the 
Trojans  for  this  fact,  and  to  fetch  her  home  again.  Accordingly  they  met, 
and  made  up  a fleet  of  a thousand  ships,  lifting  themselves  under  the 
conduct  of  Agamemnon,  as  commander-in-chief;  and  vowing  never  to 
return  home  till  they  had  sacked  Troy,  which  cost  them  ten  years’  pains, 
and  that  to  little  purpose,  till  at  length,  more  by  deceit  than  valor,  they 
won  and  ruined  the  city.  Watson. 

51  Golden  rod  or  tipstaff.  With  this  he  conducted  the  good  to  happi- 
ness ; but  it  was  ferrea  virga , an  iron  rod,  with  which  he  compelled  the 
wicked  men  to  Pluto’s  dominions  : he  calls  it  the  terrible  rod,  Ode  xxiv. 
“ Non  sanguis  redeat  vanse  imagini,  quam  semel  Mercurius  horrida  virga 
compulerit  nigro  gregi.”  Watson. 

52  The  Babylonians  were  infatuated  with  judicial  astrology,  and  made 
use  of  astronomical  tables  to  calculate  the  fortunate  or  unfortunate  days 
of  life.  These  tables  the  poet  calls  Numeros.  Francis. 

53  The  construction  is  remarkable,  “ ut  melius  est,  quanto  melius  eat 


ODE  XII. 


ODES  OF  nORACE. 


13 


Whether  Jupiter  have  granted  us  more  winters,  or  [this  as] 
the  last,  which  now  breaks  the  Etrurian  waves  against  the 
opposing  rocks.  Be  wise  ; rack  off 64  your  wines,  and  abridge 
your  hopes  [in  proportion]  to  the  shortness  of  your  life. 
While  we  are  conversing,  envious  age  has  been  dying ; seize 
the  present  day,  not  giving  the  least  credit  to  the  succeeding 
one. 


ODE  XII. 

TO  AUGUSTUS. 

What  man,  what  hero,  O Clio,  do  you  undertake  to  celebrate 
on  the  harp,  or  the  shrill  pipe  ? What  god  ? Whose  name 
shall  the  sportive  echo  resound,  either  in  the  shady  borders  of 
Helicon,56  or  on  the  top  of  Pindus,56  or  on  cold  Hsemus?57 
Whence  the  woods  followed  promiscuously  the  tuneful  Or- 
pheus, who  by  his  maternal  art58  retarded  the  rapid  courses 
of  rivers,  and  the  fleet  winds ; and  was  so  sweetly  persuasive, 
that  he  drew  along  the  listening  oaks  with  his  harmonious 
strings.  But  what  can  I sing  prior  to  the  usual  praises  of  the 
Sire,  who  governs  the  affairs  of  men  and  gods  ; who  [governs] 
the  sea,  the  earth,  and  the  whole  world  with  the  vicissitudes 
of  seasons  ? Whence  nothing  is  produced  greater  than  him ; 
nothing  springs  either  like  him,  or  even  in  a second  degree  to 
him : nevertheless,  Pallas  has  acquired  these  honors,  which  are 
next  after  him. 

pati  quicquid  erit !”  How  much  better  is  it  to  bear  whatsoever  shall 
happen,  than  to  depend  upon  the  idle  predictions  of  astrologers ! San. 

54  Vina  liques.  The  ancients  used  to  filter  their  wines,  to  render  them 
more  soft  and  smooth.  Cruq. 

55  Helicon,  a hill  of  Boeotia  near  Thebes,  now  called  Zagaya,  conse- 
crated to  Apollo  and  the  Muses.  Watson. 

56  Pindus,  a mountain  of  Arcadia,  running  with  a long  ridge  into 
Thessaly  and  Macedonia,  sacred  also  to  the  nine  muses.  Watson. 

57  Haemus,  the  greatest  mountain  of  Thrace,  dividing  it  from  the  lower 
Mysia : it  hath  divers  names  by  the  inhabitants  through  which  it  passes  ; 
by  the  Turks  it  is  called  Balkan,  by  the  Sclavonians  Oumo.  Watson. 

53  Maternal  art,  that  is,  the  art  of  music,  of  singing  with  his  voice,  and 
playing  upon  the  harp,  as  instructed  by  Calliope  his  mother,,  one  of  the 
nine  Muses.  Watson. 


14 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


Neither  will  I pass  thee  by  in  silence,  O Bacchus,  bold  in 
combat ; nor  thee,  O Virgin,  who  set t an  enemy  to  the  savage 
beasts ; nor  thee,  O Phoebus,  formidable  for  thy  unerring  dart. 

I will  sing  also  of  Hercules,  and  the  sons  of  Leda,  the  one 
illustrious  for  his  achievements  on  horseback,  the  other  on 
foot;  whose  clear-shining59  constellation  as  soon  as  it  has 
shone  forth  to  the  sailors,  the  troubled  surge  falls  down  from 
the  rocks,  the  winds  cease,  the  clouds  vanish,  and  the  threat- 
ening waves  subside  in  the  sea — because  it  was  their  will. 
After  these,  I am  in  doubt  whom  I shall  first  commemorate, 
whether  Romulus,  or  the  peaceful  reign  of  Numa,  or  the 
splendid  ensigns  of  Tarquinius,60  or  the  glorious  death  of  Cato. 
I will  celebrate,  out  of  gratitude,  with  the  choicest  verses, 
Regulus,61  and  the  Scauri,  and  Paulus,  prodigal  of  his  mighty 
soul,  when  Carthage  conquered,  and  Fabricius.62 

Severe  poverty,  and  an  hereditary  farm,  with  a dwelling 
suited  to  it,  formed  this  hero  useful  in  war ; as  it  did  also  Cu- 
rius63  with  his  rough  locks,  and  Camillus.64  The  fame  of 
Marcellus65  increases,  as  a tree  does  in  the  insensible  progress 

59  “Lucida  atque  simul  coelo  serenitatem  reducens,”  ut  Od.  i.  7,  13; 
alius  notus.  Orelli. 

60  Tarquinius  Priscus,  the  fifth  king  of  Rome,  the  son  of  Demaratus,  a 
Corinthian,  but  born  at  Tarquinium  in  Etruria,  and  called  Lucumo,  till 
by  the  persuasion  of  his  wife  Tanaquil,  an  ambitious  woman,  and  skillful 
in  augury  and  other  kinds  of  divination,  to  which  the  Etrurians  were 
very  much  addicted,  he  came  to  Rome,  where  by  his  money  and  good 
address  he  grew  popular,  and  so  insinuated  himself  into  the  favor  of 
Ancus  Martius,  that  when  he  died  he  left  him  guardian  to  his  children, 
whom  he  defrauded,  usurping  the  kingdom.  Watson. 

61  Marcus  Attilius  Regulus,  a consul  of  Rome  in  the  first  Punic  war, 
in  the  year  of  the  city  420,  a great  example  of  strict  honor  in  observing 
his  engagements,  even  with  enemies.  Watson. 

62  Fabricius,  the  name  of  a Roman  family,  of  which  this  Caius  Fabri- 
cius  Luscinus  was  a consul,  who  conquered  Pyrrhus,  king  of  Epirus,  the 
best  soldier  of  his  time.  Watson. 

63  Curius,  a nobleman  of  Rome,  surnamed  Dentatus ; he  was  thrice 
consul,  and  was  noted  for  his  courage,  singular  honesty,  and  frugality. 
Watson. 

64  Camillus,  a noble  Roman ; he,  though  banished  from  Rome,  out  of 
love  to  the  welfare  of  his  distressed  country,  saved  Rome  from  its  final 
ruin  by  the  Gauls.  Watson. 

65  Marcellus  is  a diminutive  from  Marcus,  Marculus,  Marcellus : there 
were  several  Roman  knights  of  this  name.  Claudius  Marcellus  is  meant 
here,  a valiant  commander,  called  Ensis  Romanorum,  the  Roman  sword, 
who  first  proved  it  was  not  impossible  to  conquer  Hannibal,  as  Victor 
expresseth  it.  After  a long  siege  he  took  Syracuse.  Watson. 


ODE  XIII. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


15 


of  time.  But  the  Julian  constellation  shines  amid  them  all, 
as  the  moon  among  the  smaller  stars.  O thou  son  of  Saturn, 
author  and  preserver  of  the  human  race,  the  protection  of 
Caesar  is  committed  to  thy  charge  by  the  Fates : thou  shalt 
reign  supreme,  with  Caesar  for  thy  second.  Whether  he  shall 
subdue  with  a just  victory  the  Parthians  making  inroads 
upon  Italy,  or  shall  render  subject  the  Seres  and  Indians  on 
the  Eastern  coasts ; he  shall  rule  the  wide  world  with  equity, 
in  subordination  to  thee.  Thou  shalt  shake  Olympus  with 
thy  tremendous  car ; thou  shalt  hurl  thy  hostile  thunderbolts 
against  the  polluted66  groves. 


ODE  XIII. 

TO  LYDIA. 

0 Lydia,  when  you  commend  Telephus’  rosy  neck,  and  the 
waxen  arms  of  Telephus,  alas ! my  inflamed  liver  swells  with 
bile  difficult  to  be  repressed.  Then  neither  is  my  mind  firm,67 
nor  does  my  color  maintain  a certain  situation  : and  the  in- 
voluntary tears  glide  down  my  cheek,  proving  with  what  linger- 
ing flames  I am  inwardly  consumed.  I am  on  fire,  whether 
quarrels  rendered  immoderate  by  wine  have  stained  your  fair 
shoulders ; or  whether  the  youth,  in  his  fury,  has  impressed 
with  his  teeth  a memorial  on  your  lips.  If  you  will  give  duo 
attention  to  my  advice,  never  expect  that  he  will  be  constant, 
who  inhumanly  wounds  those  sweet  kisses,  which  Venus  has 
imbued  with  the  fifth  part  of  all68  her  nectar.  O thrice  and 

66  “ Castus  is  a religious  epithet.  Thus  Festus  has  castum  Cereris  for 
sacrum.  These  woods,  therefore,  were  polluted  by  incest  or  homicide, 
for  such  only,  according  to  Aero,  were  stricken  by  lightning.”  Orelli. 

67  rpke  pjurai  js  here  employed  as  equivalent  to  the  double  manet .” 
Anthon. 

C8  “Each  god,”  observes  Porson,  “was  supposed  to  have  a given 
quantity  of  nectar  at  disposal ; and  to  bestow  the  fifth,  or  the  tenth  part 
of  this  on  any  individual  was  a special  favor.”  The  common,  but  in- 
correct, interpretation  of  quinta  parte  is,  “with  the  quintessence.” 
Anthon.  Yet  the  common  opinion  appears  to  be  the  correct  one.  The 
allusion  is  to  the  fifth  essence  of  the  Pythagoreans,  i.  e.  the  aether.  The 
schoolmen  of  the  fifteenth  century  revived  the  term  “quinta  essentia 


16 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


more  than  thrice  happy  those,  whom  an  indissoluble  con- 
nection binds  together ; and  whose  love,  undivided  by  impious 
complainings,  does  not  separate  them  sooner  than  the  last  day ! 


ODE  XIV.69 

TO  THE  ROMAN  STATE. 

O ship,  new  waves  will  bear  you  back  again  to  sea.  O what 
are  you  doing  ? Bravely  seize  the  port.  Do  you  not  perceive, 
that  your  sides  are  destitute  of  oars,  and  your  mast  wounded 
by  the  violent  south  wind,  and  your  main-yards  groan,  and 
your  keel70  can  scarcely  support  the  impetuosity  of  the  waves, 
without  the  help  of  cordage  ? You  have  not  entire  sails  ; nor 
gods,71  whom  you  may  again  invoke,  pressed  with  distress : 
notwithstanding  you  are  made  of  the  pines  of  Pontus,72  and, 
as  the  daughter  of  an  illustrious  wood,  boast  your  race,  and  a 
fame  now  of  no  service  to  you.  The  timorous  sailor  has  no 
dependence  on  a painted  stern.73  Look  to  yourself,  unless 

(i quintessenz ),”  using  the  word  to  denote  the  most  subtle  flavors  and 
refined  essences.  For  quinta , quanta  was  proposed  by  Ramirez  de  Prado, 
and  received  by  Scaliger  and  Pine.  M‘Caul. 

63  In  the  year  *725  u.  c.  Augustus  consulted  his  favorites,  Maecenas 
and  Agrippa,  whether  he  should  resign  the  sovereign  authority.  We  have 
in  Dion  a speech  of  Maecenas  upon  that  occasion,  in  which  the  allegory 
of  a ship  and  the  republic  is  so  strongly  maintained,  and  hath  something 
so  extremely  like  this  ode,  that  probably  the  poet  took  his  design  from 
thence,  as  a compliment  to  his  illustrious  patron. 

In  the  year  1 27  Augustus  began  his  seventh  consulship,  with  a request 
to  the  senate  that  they  would  discharge  him  from  an  office  which  his  in- 
firmities could  no  longer  support.  In  the  interval  of  these  two  events, 
(the  consultation  of  Octavius  with  his  favorites,  and  his  declaration  to 
the  senate,)  Horace  wrote  this  ode,  in  which  he  endeavors  to  persuade 
the  Romans  not  to  suffer  that  prince  to  abandon  the  government  of  the 
empire.  San. 

70  “Of  one  ship,  as  limina,  tecta , are  often  used  of  one  house.  So 
Dulichias  rates  is  used  by  Yirg.  Eel.  vi.  7 6,  for  the  one  ship  of  Ulysses.” 
Orelli. 

71  These  were  the  gods  whose  statues  were  placed  on  the  stern  of  tho 
ship,  which,  being  broken  by  tempests,  had  lost  its  tutelary  divinities. 

7 2 A Pontic  pine-tree.  “ Ex  familia  in  Ponto,”  of  a family  in  Pontus,  a 
country  in  Asia  Minor,  where  Horace’s  father  was  born.  Watson. 

73  Besides  the  statues  of  the  gods,  the  sterns  of  their  ships  were  adorned 
with  paintings  and  other  ornaments,  which  the  Greeks  called  in  general 
Acrostolia,  andfthe  Latins  Aplustria.  Dac. 


ODE  XV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


17 


you  are  destined  to  be  the  sport  of  the  winds*  O thou,  so 
lately  my  trouble  and  fatigue,74  but  now  an  object  of  tenderness 
and  solicitude,  mayest  thou  escape  those  dangerous  seas  which 
flow  among  the  shining  Cyclades.75 


ODE  XV.70 

TO  PARIS. 

When  the  perfidious  shepherd77  (Paris)  carried  off  by  sea  in 
Trojan  ships  his  hostess  Helen,  JSTereus78  suppressed  the  swift 

74  The  poet  expresses  by  solicitum  tcedium  that  sorrow  and  anxiety 
which  he  felt,  when  he  was  engaged  in  the  party  of  Brutus.  Torr. 

75  Cyclades,  isles  in  the  H£gean  Sea:  they  are  in  number  fifty-three,  and 
are  now  called,  Isole  del  Archipelago.  Watson. 

76  In  the  year  722  u.  c.  Antony  set  sail,  with  a numerous  fleet,  from 
Egypt  to  Peloponnesus,  intending  to  pass  over  into  Italy  with  Cleopatra, 
and  make  his  country  the  scene  of  a second  civil  war.  Inflamed  with  a 
violent  passion  for  that  princess,  aspiring  to  nothing  less  than  making  her 
mistress  of  the  universe,  and  supported  by  the  forces  of  the  East,  he 
declared  war  against  Octavius.  Horace,  therefore,  in  a noble  and  poetical 
allegory,  represents  to  Antony  the  fatal  effects  of  such  conduct,  by  pro- 
posing to  him  the  example  of  Paris,  and  the  ruinous  consequences  which 
attended  his  passion  for  Helen. 

We  are  assured  by  Torrentius,  that  the  best  and  most  ancient  manu- 
script which  he  had  seen  gave  this  title  to  the  Ode,  “ Ad  Alexandrum 
Paridem,  sub  cujus  persona  exponit  imminentia  bella from  whence  it 
appears  that  the  allegorical  manner  of  explaining  it,  is  at  least  of  an 
ancient  date.  San. 

77  The  treacherous  shepherd,  Paris,  otherwise  called  Alexander,  the 
son  of  Priam  and  Hecuba,  king  and  queen  of  Troy.  Once  upon  a 
time  there  fell  out  a controversy  betwixt  Juno,  Pallas,  and  Venus,  about 
a golden  apple  that  the  goddess  Discord  had  given  them  at  Peleus’ 
wedding,  on  which  it  was  written,  “Let  it  be  given  to  the  fairest:” 
They  could  not  agree  among  themselves,  but  every  one  thought  herself 
the  fairest.  At  last  they  made  Paris  judge ; and  when  he  had  seen  them 
naked  (but  they  offered  him  bribes  besides;  Venus,  that  if  he  would 
judge  it  to  her,  he  should  have  the  most  beautiful  woman  in  the  world ; 
Juno  promised  him  a kingdom ; Pallas,  the  excellency  of  wisdom),  ho 
adjudged  it  to  Venus.  After  this  he  came  to  be  owned  at  court,  and  after 
some  time,  pretending  business,  he  took  ship  for  Greece,  where  he  became 
acquainted  with  Helen,  the  famed  beauty  of  that  country,  and,  in  the 
absence  of  her  husband,  carried  her  home  with  him ; which  proved  the 
occasion  of  making  good  the  former  dream  of  Plecuba,  and  setting  all 
Troy  in  flames.  Watson. 

78  Nereus,  a god  of  the  sea,  the  son  of  Oceanus  and  Tethys,  and  father 
of  the  Nereides.  Orpheus  calls  him  the  most  ancient  of  the  gods,  whence 


18 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


winds  in  an  unpleasant  calm,  that  he  might  sing79  the  dire 
fates.  “ With  unlucky  omen  art  thou  conveying  home  her, 
whom  Greece  with  a numerous  army  shall  demand  back  again, 
having  entered  into  a confederacy  to  dissolve  your  nuptials, 
and  the  ancient  kingdom  of  Priam.  Alas  ! what  sweat  to 
horses,  what  to  men,  is  just  at  hand ! What  a destruction 
art  thou  preparing  for  the  Trojan  nation ! Even  now  Pallas 
is  fitting  her  helmet,  and  her  shield,  and  her  chariot,  and  her 
fury.  In  vain,  looking  fierce  through  the  patronage  of  Venus, 
will  you  comb  your  hair,  and  run  divisions80  upon  the  effemin- 
ate lyre  with  songs  pleasing  to  women.  In  vain  will  you 
escape  the  spears  that  disturb  the  nuptial  bed,  and  the  point 
of  the  Cretan  dart,81  and  the  din  [of  battle],  and  Ajax  swift 
in  the  pursuit.  Nevertheless,  alas  ! the  time  will  come,  though 
late,  when  thou  shalt  defile  thine  adulterous  hairs  in  the  dust. 
Dost  thou  not  see  the  son  of  Laertes,  fatal  to  thy  nation,  and 
Pylian  Nestor,  Salaminian  Teucer,  and  Sthenelus83  skilled  in 
fight  (or  if  there  be  occasion  to  manage  horses,  no  tardy 

by  Yirgil  he  is  called  Grandaevus.  Nereus  is  also  sometimes  taken  for 
the  sea.  Watson. 

79  “ Canere”  is  commonly  used  of  uttering  predictions. 

80  The  expression  carmina  divider e feminis , according  to  Antlion, 
means  nothing  more  than  to  execute  different  airs  for  different  females, 
in  succession ; but  Paris  would  hardly  do  this  in  the  presence  of  Helen. 
Orelli’s  view  is,  “ that  the  whole  piece  consists  of  two  parts,  the  vocal 
and  the  instrumental.  The  symphony  of  the  lyre  breaks  ( dividit ) the 
continuity  of  the  song.  The  song  divides  the  symphony,”  i.  e.  you  sing, 
and  alternately  play  upon  your  amorous  lyre,  strains,  etc.  “We  should, 
I think,  construe  divides  with  carmina , and  grata  with  feminis , as  ex- 
pressive of  their  effeminacy.  The  phrase  means  simply  to  execute  various 
soft  airs  upon  the  lyre.  The  word  “division”  in  our  own  language, 
derived,  of  course,  from  the  Latin  dividere , was  used  in  the  sixteenth 
century,  technically  for  musical  compositions.  Thus  Shakespeare,  Romeo 
and  Juliet : 

Some  say  the  lark  makes  sweet  division , 

This  is  not  so. 

Again, 

And  all  the  while  sweet  music  did  divide 
Her  looser  strains  with  Lydian  harmonies.” 

Spenc.  F.  Q.,  quoted  by  Howell. — M'Caul. 

81  Calami  spicula  Gnossii.  It  is  probable,  from  this  expression,  that 
the  Cretans,  who  were  excellent  archers,  instead  of  arrows,  made  use  of 
a kind  of  hard,  slender,  pointed  reed,  which  grew  in  the  sands  of  their 
island.  Thus  Ovid;  “Hec  Gortiniaco  calamus  levis  exit  ab  arcu.”  San. 

82  Sthenelus,  the  son  of  Capaneus  and  Evadne,  one  of  the  Greek  cap- 
tains that  was  at  Troy,  and  was  also  shut  up  in  the  wooden  horse.  W atson. 


ODE  XVI. 


ODES  OP  HORACE. 


19 


charioteer),  pursue  thee  with  intrepidity?  Meriones83  also 
shalt  thou  experience.  Behold  ! the  gallant  son  of  Tydeus,84 
a better  man  than  his  father,  glows  to  find  you  out : him,  as 
a stag  flies  a wolf,  which  he  has  seen  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  vale,  unmindful  of  bis  pasture,  shall  you,  effeminate,  fly, 
grievously  panting  : — not  such  the  promises  you  made  your 
mistress.  The  fleet  of  the  enraged  Achilles  shall  defer  for  a 
time  that  day,  which  is  to  be  fatal  to  Troy  and  the  Trojan 
matrons : but,  after  a certain  number  of  years,  Grecian  fire 
shall  consume  the  Trojan  palaces.” 


ODE  XVI. 

TO  A YOUNG  LADY  HORACE  HAD  OFFENDED. 

O daughter,  more  charming  than  your  charming  mother, 
put  what  end  you  please  to  my  insulting  iambics ; either  in 
the  flames,  or,  if  you  choose  it,  in  the  Adriatic.  Nor  Cybele, 
nor  Apollo,  the  dweller  in  the  shrines,85  so  shakes  the  breast 
of  his  priests ; Bacchus  does  not  do  it  equally,  nor  do  the 
Corybantes  so  redouble  their  strokes  on  the  sharp-sounding 
cymbals,  as  direful  anger  ; which  neither  the  Noric  sword  can 
deter,  nor  the  shipwrecking  sea,  nor  dreadful  fire,  nor  Jupiter 
himself  rushing  down  with  awful  crash.  It  is  reported  that 
Prometheus  was  obliged  to  add  to  that  original  clay  [with 
which  he  formed  mankind],  some  ingredient  taken  from  every 
animal,  and  that  he  applied  the  vehemence  of  the  raging  lion 
to  the  human  breast.  It  was  rage  that  destroyed  Thyestes 
with  horrible  perdition  ; and  has  been  the  final  cause  that 
lofty  cities  have  been  entirely  demolished,  and  that  an  insolent 
army  has  driven  the  hostile  plowshare  over  their  walls.89 

83  Meriones,  a brave  captain,  who  went  out  of  Crete  to  the  siege 
of  Troy.  Watson. 

84  Diomedes,  king  of  ^Etolia,  the  son  of  Tydeus  and  Deipyle,  one  of 
the  Grecian  worthies  in  the  Trojan  wars.  Watson. 

85  See  Orelli.  Anthon  and  others  take  “ incola”  as  meaning  “ hab- 
itans  quasi  in  pectore.” 

86  Imprimeretque  muris.  It  was  a custom  among  the  Romans,  to 
drve  a plow  over  the  walls  of  a city  whieh  they  destroyed,  to  sig- 
nify that  the  ground  upon  which  it  stood  should  be  forever  employed 
in  agriculture.  Tore. 


20 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


Compose  your  mind.  An  ardor  of  soul  attacked  me  also  in 
blooming  youth,  and  drove  me  in  a rage  to  the  writing  of 
swift-footed  iambics.87  Now  I am  desirous  of  exchanging 
severity  for  good  nature,  provided  that  you  will  become  my 
friend,  after  my  having  recanted  my  abuse,  and  restore  me 
your  affections. 


ODE  XVII. 

TO  TYNDARIS. 

The  nimble  Faunus  often  exchanges  the  Lycsean88  mountain 
for  the  pleasant  Lucretilis,89  and  always  defends  my  she-goats 
from  the  scorching  summer,90  and  the  rainy  winds.  The  wan- 
dering wives  of  the  unsavory  husband91  seek  the  hidden 
strawberry-trees  and  thyme  with  security  through  the  safe 
grove  : nor  do  the  kids  dread  the  green  lizards,  or  the  wolves 
sacred  to  Mars ; whenever,  my  Tyndaris,  the  vales  and  the 
smooth  rocks  of  the  sloping  Ustica  have  resounded  with  his 
melodious  pipe.  The  gods  are  my  protectors.  My  piety  and 
my  muse  are  agreeable  to  the  gods.  Here  plenty,  rich  with 
rural  honors,  shall  flow  to  you,  with  her  generous  horn  filled 
to  the  brim.  Here,  in  a sequestered  vale,  you  shall  avoid  the 
heat  of  the  dog-star ; and,  on  your  Anacreontic  harp,  sing  of 
Penelope92  and  the  frail  Circe93  striving  for  one  lover ; here 

Celeres  iambos.  The  poet  calls  this  kind  of  verse  swift,  or  rapid, 
because  the  first  syllable  of  each  foot  was  short,  by  which  the  cadence 
was  quicker.  San. 

83  Lycaeus,  a mountain  in  Arcadia,  sacred  to  Faunus,  who  is  the 
same  with  Pan.  So  Yirgil,  Eclog.  ii.  “ Pan  Primus  Calamos  cera  con- 
jungere  plures  instituit:  Pan  curat  oves  oviumque  magistros.”  Pan, 
who  first  taught  us  to  conjoin  our  reeds : Pan,  who  protects  the  sheep 
and  their  masters.  Watson. 

89  Lucretilis,  a mountain  in  the  country  of  the  Sabines,  not  far  from 
Rome;  where  Horace  had  a country-house.  Mutat  Lucretilem  Lycozo , 
by  the  figure  hyperbaton,  which  puts  that  first  which  should  be  last,  for 
Mutat  Lycozum  Lucretili , he  interchanges  Lycceus  for  Lucretilis.  Watson. 

9U  Literally,  “ wards  off  the  summer  from  the  goats.”  So  Yirg.  Eel. 
vii.  47,  “ solstitium  pecori  defendite.” 

91  See  note  on  Yirg.  Eel.  vii.  7. 

92  Penelope,  the  daughter  of  Icarus ; the  wife  of  Ulysses,  a woman 
of  rare  chastity.  Watson. 

93  Circe,  the  daughter  of  Sol,  and  nymph  of  Perse ; a sorceress,  and 
skillful  in  the  nature  of  herbs.  Watson. 


ODE  XVIII. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


21 


you  shall  quaff,  under  the  shade,  cups  of  unintoxicating  Lesbian. 
Nor  shall  the  raging  son  of  Semele  enter  the  combat  with 
Mars ; and  unsuspected  you  shall  not  fear  the  insolent  Cyrus, 
lest  he  should  savagely  lay  his  intemperate  hands  on  you,  who 
are  by  no  means  a match  for  him ; and  should  rend  the  chaplet 
that  is  platted  in  your  hair,  and  your  inoffensive  garment. 


ODE  XVIII. 

TO  VARUS. 

0 Varus,  you  can  plant  no  tree  preferable  to  the  sacred 
vine,  about  the  mellow  soil  of  Tibur,  and  the  walls  of  Catilus. 
For  God  hath  rendered  every  thing  cross  to  the  sober  ; nor  do 
biting  cares  disperse  any  otherwise  [than  by  the  use  of  wine]. 
Who,  after  wine,  complains  of  the  hardships  of  war  or  of 
poverty  ? Who  does  not  rather  [celebrate]  thee,  Father 
Bacchus,  and  thee,  comely  Venus  ? Nevertheless,  the  battle 
of  the  Centaurs94  with  the  Lapithse,05  which  was  fought  in 
their  cups,  admonishes  us  not  to  exceed  a moderate  use  of  the 
gifts  of  Bacchus.  And  Bacchus  himself  admonishes  us  in  his 
severity  to  the  Thracians ; when  greedy  to  satisfy  their  lusts, 
they  make  little  distinction  between  right  and  wrong.  O 
beauteous  Bacchus,96  I will  not  rouse  thee  against  thy  will, 
nor  will  I hurry  abroad  thy  [mysteries,  which  are]  covered 

94  A people  of  Thessaly,  near  Mount  Pelion,  who  first  broke  horses 
for  war ; whence  it  came  to  pass  that  they,  being  seen  by  other  people 
on  horseback  at  a distance,  were  supposed  to  be  but  one  creature,  who 
had  the  upper  part  like  a man,  and  the  other  part  of  his  body  like  a 
horse.  Watson. 

95  Lapithse,  a people  of  Thessaly,  near  Mount  Olympus.  Pirithous 
was  their  king,  who  having  drank  to  excess  at  his  wedding,  the  Cen- 
taurs endeavored  to  ravish  Hippodamia,  the  king’s  new-married  queen ; 
or,  as  some  say,  attempted  to  ravish  the  wives  of  the  Lapithse  at  the 
wedding,  and  were  therefore  all  put  to  death.  Watson. 

95  The  epithet  candide  is  here  very  expressive,  and  refers  to  the  un- 
fading youth  and  beauty  which  the  mythology  of  the  Greeks  and  Ro- 
mans assigned  to  the  deity  of  wine.  Compare  Broukhus.  ad.  Tibull.  iii. 
vi.  1,  and  Dryden  (Ode  fo^St.  Cecilia’s  day),  “ Bacchus,  ever  fair  and 
young/'  and  Ovid.  Fast.  iii.  772  : 

“ Candida  formosi  venerabimur  ora  Lysei.”  Anthon. 


22 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


with  various  leaves.  Cease  your  dire  cymbals,  together  with 
your  Phrygian  horn,  whose  followers  are  blind  Self-love  and 
Arrogance,  holding  up  too  high  her  empty  head,  and  the  Faith 
communicative  of  secrets,  and  more  transparent  than  glass. 


ODE  XIX. 

TO  GLYCERA. 

The  cruel  mother  of  the  Cupids,  and  the  son  of  the  Theban 
Semele,  and  lascivious  ease,  command  me  to  give  back  my 
mind  to  its  deserted  loves.  The  splendor  of  Glycera,  shining 
brighter  than  the  Parian  marble,  inflames  me : her  agree- 
able petulance,  and  her  countenance,  too  unsteady  to  be 
beheld,  inflame  me.  Venus,  rushing  on  me  with  her  whole 
force,  has  quitted  Cyprus ; and  suffers  me  not  to  sing  of  the 
Scythians,97  and  the  Parthian,98  furious  when  his  horse  is 
turned  for  flight,  or  any  subject  which  is  not  to  the  present 
purpose.  Here,  slaves,  place  me  a live  turf ; here,  place  me 
vervains  and  frankincense,  with  a flagon  of  two-year-old  wine. 
She  will  approach  more  propitious,  after  a victim  has  been  sac- 
rificed. 


ODE  XX. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

My  dear  knight  Maecenas,  you  shall  drink  [at  my  house] 
ignoble  Sabine  wine  in  sober  cups,  which  I myself  sealed  up 
in  the  Grecian  cask,99  stored  at  the  time,  when  so  loud  an  ap- 

97  Scythia  was  a large  country,  now  called  Tartarv,  divided  into  the 
Asiatic  and  European.  Watson. 

93  Parthian.  Parthia,  a country  in  Asia,  lying  between  Media  and 
Carmania,  and  the  Hyrcanian  Sea.  The  Parthians  fought  with  bows 
and  arrows,  and  that  flying ; so  that  by  turning  about  their  horses,  they 
shot  and  wounded  the  enemy  who  was  pursuing  them.  Watson. 

99  When  the  ancients  filled  their  casks,  they  closed  them  with  wax, 
pitch,  gum,  or  plaster,  and  although  the  Sabine  wine  was  by  no  means 
worthy  of  so  much  care,  yet  as  Maecenas  at  that  time  had  received  some 
remarkable  applause  in  the  theater,  the  poet  preserved  on  his  vessels  the 
remembrance  of  a day  so  glorious  to  his  patron.  San. 


ODE  XXI. 


ODES  QF  HORACE. 


23 


plause  was  given  to  you  in  the  amphitheater,100  that  the  banks 
of  your  ancestral  river,1  together  with  the  cheerful  echo  of  the 
Vatican  mountain,  returned  your  praises.  You  [when  you 
are  at  home]  will  drink  the  Csecuban,2  and  the  grape  which  is 
squeezed  in  the  Calenian  press ; but  neither  the  Falernian  vines, 
nor  the  Formian*  hills,  season  my  cups. 


ODE  XXL 

ON  DIANA  AND  APOLLO. 

Ye  tender  virgins,4  sing  Diana ; ye  boys,  sing  Apollo  with 
his  unshorn  hair,  and  Latona  passionately  beloved  by  the  su- 
preme Jupiter.  Ye  (virgins),  praise  her  that  rejoices  in  the 
rivers,  and  the  thick  groves,  which  project  either  from  the  cold 
Algidus,  or  the  gloomy  woods  of  Erymanthus,  or  the  green 
Cragus.  Ye  boys,  extol  with  equal  praises  Apollo’s  Delos,  and 
his  shoulder  adorned  with  a quiver,  and  with  his  brother  Mer- 
cury’s lyre.  He,  moved  by  your  intercession,  shall  drive  away 
calamitous  war,  and  miserable  famine,  and  the  plague  from  the 
Roman  people  and  their  sovereign  Caesar,  to  the  Persians  and 
the  Britons. 

100  It  is  probable,  from  the  17th  Ode  of  the  second  Book,  that  this  ap- 
plause was  to  congratulate  Maecenas  for  his  escaping  some  accidental 
danger ; and  as  the  ancients  were  used  to  mark  the  age  of  their  wines 
by  the  names  of  the  consuls,  or  by  the  most  extraordinary  event  of  the 
year,  the  poet  had  chosen  this  instance  of  the  glory  and  good  fortune  of 
his  patron,  for  the  date  of  his  wine.  San. 

1 Paterni  fluminis.  It  seems  as  if  Horace  could  not  find  a more  glo- 
rious epithet  for  the  Tiber  than  this,  which  calls  it  the  river  of  Maece- 
nas’s ancestors,  who  came  originally  from  Etruria,  where  the  Tiber  has 
its  source.  San. 

2 Caecubum,  a town  in  Campania,  not  far  from  Caieta.  The  wine  pro- 
duced there  was  much  esteemed.  "Watson. 

3 Mount  Formianum,  near  the  city  Formiae,  tho  seat  of  the  Laestry- 
gones,  now  swallowed  up  by  the  sea,  and  called  Golfo  di  Gaietta.  The 
wine  of  the  place  was  much  valued.  Watson. 

4 In  the  celebration  of  the  festival  of  Bacchus,  a select  number  of 
virgins,  of  honorable  families,  called  Kavrj(popoiy  KicoofyopoL,  Kiorotyopoi,  car- 
ried small  baskets  of  gold,  in  which  were  concealed,  beneath  vine,  ivy, 
and  other  leaves,  certain  sacred  mysterious  things,  which  were  not  to  be 
exposed  to  the  eyes  of  the  profane.  Anthon. 


24 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


ODE  XXII. 

TO  ARISTIUS  FUSCUS.5 

The  man  of  upright  life  and  pure  from  wickedness,  O Fus- 
cus,  has  no  need  of  the  Moorish  javelins  or  bow,  or  quiver 
loaded  with  poisoned  darts.  Whether  he  is  about  to  make  his 
journey  through  the  sultry  Syrtes,6  or  the  inhospitable  Caucasus/ 
or  those  places  which  Hydaspes,8  celebrated  in  story,  washes. 
For  lately,  as  I was  singing  my  Lalage,  and  wandered  beyond 
my  usual  bounds,  devoid  of  care,  a wolf  in  the  Sabine  wood 
fled  from  me,  though  I was  unarmed  :9  such  a monster,  as 
neither  the  warlike  Apulia  nourishes  in  its  extensive  woods, 
nor  the  land  of  Juba,10  the  dry  nurse  of  lions,  produces.  Place 
me  in  those  barren  plains,  where  no  tree  is  refreshed  by  the 
genial  air ; at  that  part  of  the  world,  which  clouds  and  an  in- 
clement atmosphere  infest.  Place  me  under  the  chariot  of  the 

5 Aristius  Fuscus,  a good  man,  of  virtuous  morals.  Horace,  for  the 

most  part,  dedicates  his  poems  (and  writes  them  on  a subject)  suitable  to 
the  virtues  and  vices  of  those  he  addresses  them  to.  So  Sat.  ix.  Book  i. 
“ Ecce  Fuscus  Aristius  occurrit  mihi  charus .”  “ Behold  Aristius  Fuscus, 

dearly  beloved  by  me,  meets  me.”  Watson. 

6 Syrtes,  two  quicksands  on  the  African  shore,  the  greater  beyond 
Tripoli,  about  four  hundred  miles  in  compass ; the  lesser  on  this  side, 
near  one  hundred  and  ninety  miles  in  circumference.  Watson. 

7 Through  Caucasus,  a high  mountain  in  Asia,  betwixt  the  Euxine 
and  Caspian  Seas,  called  also  Garmas,  and  of  later  geographers,  Cocas, 
or  Cochias:  it  is  situated  about  Iberia  and  Albania,’ on  the  north  part.  It 
is  of  great  height,  covered  with  snow,  rocky,  and  full  of  trees.  Watson. 

8 Hydaspes,  the  name  of  two  rivers  in  Asia ; the  one  in  Media,  near 
the  city  Susa;  the  other  in  India,  near  the  city  Nysa,  which  he  here 
calls  fabulous,  because  there  are  several  strange  things  storied  of  it,  such 
as  that  it  abounds  with  golden  sands,  pearls,  and  precious  stones,  etc. 
Watson. 

9 “ Donatus  scribit  Yirgilium  solitum  dicere  nullam  virtutem  commo- 
diorem  homini  esse  patientia,  ac  nullam  fortunam  adeo  esse  asperam, 
quam  prudenter  patiendo  vir  fortis  non  vincat.  Proprie  igitur  sententia 
ipsum  nunc  consolatur  Horatius.v  Fabric. 

10  The  land  of  Juba.  He  was  king  of  Mauritania,  who  in  the  time 
of  the  civil  war  was  on  Pompey’s  side ; he  overthrew  Curio,  and,  after 
Pompey  was  overcome,  he  joined  with  Scipio ; but  they  being  conquered 
by  Caesar,  rather  than  he  would  be  the  matter  of  Caesar’s  scorn  and 
triumph,  Petrcius  and  he  running  at  each  other,  were  purposely  slain. 
Watson. 


ODE  XXIII.  XXIV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


25 


too  neighboring  sun,  in.  a land  deprived  of  habitations ; 
[there]  will  I love  my  sweetly-smiling,  sweetly-speaking 
Lai  age. 


ODE  XXIII. 

TO  CHLOE. 

You  shun  me,  Chloe,  like  a fawn  that  is  seeking  its  timorous 
mother  in  the  pathless  mountains,  not  without  a vain  dread  of 
the  breezes  and  the  thickets : for  sTie  trembles  both  in  her 
heart  and  knees,  whether  the  arrival  of  the  spring  has  terrified 
by  its  rustling  leaves,  or  the  green  lizards  have  stirred  the 
bush.  But  I do  not  follow  you,  like  a savage  tigress,  or  a 
Ggetulian  lion,  to  tear  you  to  pieces.  Therefore,  quit  your 
mother,  now  that  you  are  mature  for  a husband. 


ODE  XXIV. 

TO  VIRGIL. 

What  shame  or  bound  can  there  be  to  our  affectionate  regret 
for  so  dear  a person  ? O Melpomene,11  on  whom  your  father 
has  bestowed  a clear  voice  and  the  harp,  teach  me  the  mourn- 
ful strains.  Does  then  perpetual  sleep  oppress  Quinctilius  ?12 
To  whom  when  will  modesty,  and  uncorrupt  faith  the  sister  of 
Justice,  and  undisguised  truth,  find  any  equal?  He  died 
lamented  by  many  good  men,  but  more  lamented  by  none 
than  by  you,  my  Virgil.  You,  though  pious,  alas  ! in  vain 
demand  Quinctilius  back  from  the  gods,  who  did  not  lend  him 

11  Melpomene,  one  of  the  muses,  who  first  composed  tragedies ; and 
therefore  Horace  properly  addresses  himself  to  her  for  assistance  in  writ- 
ing a funeral  elegy  on  Quinctilius  Varus.  See  Ode  xviii.  Watson. 

12  Quinctilius.  This  is  not  Quinctilius  Varus,  who  commanded  the 
army  in  Germany  under  Augustus  as  his  general,  who,  after  his  army 
was  routed,  killed  himself.  For  that  was  twenty-seven  years  after  Vir- 
gil’s death,  and  eighteen  after  Horace  died.  But  Quinctilius  Varus,  the 
poet  and  critic  of  Cremona,  an  intimate  friend  of  Virgil’s,  who  died 
about  the  tenth  consulship  of  Augustus.  Watson. 

2 


26 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


to  us  on  such  terms.  What,  though  you  could  strike  the  lyre, 
listened  to  by  the  trees,  with  more  sweetness  than  the  Thracian 
Orpheus  ; yet  the  blood  can  never  return  to  the  empty  shade, 
which  Mercury,  inexorable  to  reverse  the  fates,  has  with  his 
dreadful  Caduceus  once  driven  to  the  gloomy  throng.  This 
is  hard : but  what  it  is  out  of  our  power  to  amend,  becomes 
more  supportable  by  patience. 


t)DE  XXY. 

TO  LYDIA. 

The  wanton  youths  less  violently  shake  thy  fastened  windows 
with  their  redoubled  knocks,  nor  do  they  rob  you  of  your 
rest ; and  your  door,  which  formerly  moved  its  yielding 
hinges  freely,  now  sticks  lovingly  to  its  threshold.  Less  and 
less  often  do  you  now  hear  : “ My  Lydia,  dost  thou  sleep  the 
live-long  night  while  I your  lover  am  dying'?”  Now  you  are 
an  old  woman,  it  will  be  your  turn  to  bewail  the  insolence  of 
rakes,  when  you  are  neglected  in  a lonely  alley,  while  the 
Thracian  wind13  rages  at  the  Interlunium  :14  when  that  hot 
desire  and  lust,  which  is  wont  to  render  furious  the  dams  of 
horses,  shall  rage  about  your  ulcerous  liver  : not  without  com- 
plaint, that  sprightly  youth  rejoice  rather  in  the  verdant  ivy 
and  growing  myrtle,  and  dedicate  sapless  leaves  to  Eurus,  the 
companion  of  winter.15 

13  Between  an  old  and  new  moon,  the  wind  is  usually  most  tempestu- 
ous.  “ Interluniorum  dies  tempestatibus  plenos,  et  navigantibus  quam 
maxime  metuendos,  non  solum  peritiae  ratio,  sed  etiam  vulgi  usus  intel- 
ligit.”  Dac. 

14  “Sub  interlunia  /uegoge/ \tjvg),  “at  the  time  which  intervenes  be- 
tween the  old  and  new  moon.”  Or,  in  freer  and  more  poetic  language, 
“ during  the  dark  and  stormy  season  when  the  moon  has  disappeared 
from  the  skies.”  Interlunium,  “biduum  illud,  quo  in  coitu  solis  luna  non 
conspicitur.”  Orell. 

15  Aridas  frondes  hyemis  sodali  dedicet.  The  sense  and  interpretation 
of  these  words  depend  on  the  two  former  lines.  Young  men,  says  the 
poet,  are  more  pleased,  magis  gaudent , with  trees  which  are  always 
green,  such  as  are  myrtle  and  ivy ; but  despise  dry  and  withered  leaves. 
Bent. 


ODE  XXVI. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


27 


ODE  XXVI. 

TO  ^LIUS  LAMIA. 

A friend  to  the  Muses,  I will  deliver  up  grief  and  fears  to 
the  wanton  winds,  to  -waft  into  the  Cretan  Sea ; singularly 
careless,  what  king  of  a frozen  region  is  dreaded  under  the 
pole,  or  what  terrifies  Tiridates.18  O sweet  muse,  who  art 
delighted  with  pure  fountains,  weave  together  the  sunny 
flowers,  weave  a chaplet  for  my  Lamia.17  Without  thee,  my 
praises  profit  nothing.  To  render  him  immortal  by  new 
strains,18  to  render  him  immortal  by  the  Lesbian  lyre,19  be- 
comes both  thee  and  thy  sisters. 

16  In  the  year  719,  u.  C.,  the  Parthians  expelled  Phraates  for  his 
cruelty,  and  set  Tiridates  upon  the  throne.  In  724,  Phraates  was  re- 
stored by  the  Scythians ; and  Tiridates,  obliged  to  fly,  carried  with  him 
the  son  of  Phraates  to  Octavius,  who  was  then  in  Syria.  That  prince, 
delighted  with  having  the  son  of  the  greatest  enemy  of  the  republic  in 
his  power,  carried  him  to  Rome,  and  permitted  Tiridates  to  remain  in 
Syria ; who  being  impatient  to  recover  his  throne,  solicited  Augustus 
for  succors.  In  731,  Phraates  sent  an  embassy  to  Rome,  with  an  offer 
of  restoring  to  Augustus  the  Roman  eagles,  which  were  taken  in  the 
defeat  of  Crassus,  if  he  would  send  his  son  and  Tiridates  to  him.  Au- 
gustus made  the  report  to  the  senate,  who  remitted  to  him  the  decision 
of  the  affair.  He  granted  the  embassadors  the  first  part  of  their  de- 
mand, but  kept  Tiridates  at  Rome,  and  promised  to  entertain  him  in  a 
manner  suitable  to  his  dignity. 

This  ode  was  written  when  the  affair  was  depending,  and  we  may 
judge  how  Tiridates  must  have  been  alarmed,  while  he  was  afraid  of 
being  sent  to  Phraates,  from  whom  he  could  expect  nothing  but  tortures 
and  death.  San. 

17  ^Elius  Lamia  was  a Roman  knight,  whose  character  is  thus  drawn 
by  Cicero : “ Vir  summo  splendore,  summa  gratia ; nullo  prorsus  plus 
Homine  delector.”  Dac. 

18  When  the  poets  intended  to  sing  any  thing  extraordinary,  they 
used  to  change  the  strings  of  their  lyres.  Dac. 

However,  this  changing  the  strings  of  the  lyre  seems  rather  a poetical, 
metaphorical  expression  for  the  change  of  the  subject.  Fran. 

19  Sappho,  a famous  poetess,  inventress  of  the  Sapphic  verse,  being  re- 
jected by  her  lover  Phaon,  she  destroyed  herself.  There  was  a promon- 
tory in  Arcadia  called  Leucate,  on  the  top  of  which  was  a little  temple 
dedicated  to  Apollo.  Watson. 


28 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


ODE  XXVII. 

TO  HIS  COMPANIONS. 

To  quarrel  over  your  cups,  which  were  made  for  joy,  is 
downright  Thracian.  Away  with  the  barbarous  custom, 
and  protect  modest  Bacchus  from  bloody  frays.  How  im- 
mensely disagreeable  to  wine  and  candles30  is  the  saber  of  the 
Medes  ! O my  companions,  repress  your  wicked  vociferations, 
and  rest  quietly  on  bended  elbow.  Would  you  have  me  also 
take  my  share  of  stout  Falernian  ? Let  the  brother  of  Opun- 
tian  Megillathen  declare,  with  what  wound21  he  is  blessed,  with 
what  dart  he  is  dying. — What,  do  you  refuse?  I will  not 
drink  upon  any  other  condition.  Whatever  kind  of  passion 
rules  you,  it  scorches  you  with  the  flames  you  need  not  be 
ashamed  of,  and  you  always  indulge  in  an  honorable,  an  in- 
genuous love.  Come,  whatever  is  your  case,  trust  it  to  faith- 
ful ears.  Ah,  unhappy  ! in  what  a Charybdis  art  thou 
struggling,  O youth,  worthy  of  a better  flame  ! What  witch, 
what  magician,  with  his  Thessalian  incantations,  what  deity 
can  free  you  ? Pegasus  himself  will  scarcely  deliver  you,  so 
entangled,  from  this  three-fold  chimera. 


ODE  XXVIII. 

ARCHYTAS. 

The  [want  of  the]  scanty  present  of  a little  sand23  near  the 
Mantinian  shore,  confines  thee,  0 Archytas,23  the  surveyor  of 

20  A sort  of  hendiadys,=u  revelries  by  night.” 

21  i.  e.  by  what  love. 

22  Pulveris  exigui  munera.  The  ancients  believed  that  the  souls  of 
those  whose  bodies  were  left  unburied,  were  not  permitted  to  pass  over 
the  river  Styx,  but  wandered  a hundred  years  on  its  banks.  In  allusion 
to  this  opinion,  Horace  says,  “ Parvo  munera  pulveris  exigui  cohibent 
te,  retinent  tuam  umbram  ab  Elysiis  campis.”  A little  present  of  dust 
detains  you ; that  is,  you  are  detained  from  the  Elysian  fields  for  want 
of  a little  present  of  dust.  Dac. 

23  Archytas,  a philosopher  of  Tarentum,  a noble  city  in  the  furthest 
part  of  the  ancient  Magna  G-raecia,  now  Tarento ; it  was  inhabited  by 
Spartans,  under  Phalantus  their  captain.  Archytas  was  a great  mathe- 
matician, astrologer,  and  geometrician,  and  famous  for  his  martial 


ODE  XXVIII. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


29 


sea  and  earth,  and  of  the  innumerable  sand  : neither  is  it  of 
any  advantage  to  you,  to  have  explored  the  celestial  regions, 
and  to  have  traversed  the  round  world  in  your  imagination, 
since  thou  wast  to  die.24  Thus  also  did  the  father  of  Pelops, 
the  guest  of  the  gods,  die ; and  Tithonus2*  likewise  was 
'translated  to  the  skies,  and  Minos,26  though  admitted  to  the 
secrets  of  Jupiter;  and  the  Tartarean  regions  are  possessed 
of  the  son  of  Panthous,27  once  more  sent  down  to  the  receptacle 
of  the  dead ; notwithstanding,  having  retaken  his  shield*8 
from  the  temple,  he  gave  evidence  of  the  Trgjan  times,  and 
that  he  had  resigned  to  gloomy  death  nothing  but  his  sinews 
and  skin ; in  your  opinion,  no  inconsiderable  judge  of  truth 
and  nature.  But  the  same  night  awaits  all,  and  the  road  of 
death  must  once  be  traveled.  The  Furies  give  up  some  to  the 
sport  of  horrible  Mars : the  greedy  ocean  is  destructive  to 
sailors : the  mingled  funerals  of  young  and  old  are  crowded 
together : not  a single  person  does  the  cruel  Proserpine29  pass 

exploits,  having  made  his  escape  when  Pythagoras  and  some  of  his  dis- 
ciples were  killed ; he  was  greatly  beloved  by  Plato  and  Timseus,  upon 
whose  account  he  came  to  Italy.  Watson. 

24  This  is  the  proper  force  of  “ moriturus.”  So  also  “ moribundus”  is 
used  in  Yirgil. 

25  Tithonus,  the  son  of  Laomedon,  who,  desiring  long  life,  was  so 
wasted  with  old  age,  that4he  poets  feigned  him  to  be  turned  into  a grass- 
hopper : he  was  said  to  be  beloved  by  Aurora  (on  whom  he  begat  Prince 
Memnon),  for  that  he  used  early  rising,  whereby  he  preserved  his  life 
long.  Watson. 

26  Minos,  a king  of  Crete,  the  son  of  Jupiter  by  Europa.  He  first  gave 
laws  to  the  Cretans,  and  for  his  justice  was  after  death  made  chief  judge 
in  hell ; he  married  Pasiphae,  the  daughter  of  Sol,  and  had  many  chil- 
dren by  her.  Watson. 

27  Euphorbus  is  here  meant  in  name,  but  Pythagoras  in  reality.  This 
philosopher  taught  the  doctrine  of  the  transmigration  of  souls,  and  is  said 
to  have  asserted  that  he  himself  had  animated  various  bodies,  and  had 
been  at  one  time  Euphorbus  the  Trojan.  To  prove  his  identity  with  the 
son  of  Panthous,  report  made  him  to  have  gone  into  the  temple  of  Juno, 
at,  or  near  Mycenae,  where  the  shield  of  Euphorbus  had  been  preserved 
among  other  offerings,  and  to  have  recognized  and  taken  it  down.  An- 
thon. 

28  Clypeo  refixo.  Figere  and  refigere  are  terms  borrowed  from  the 
Roman  law.  When  a law  was  publicly  set  up,  and  proposed  to  the 
people,  they  made  use  of  the  word  figere ; when  they  took  them  down, 
they  used  the  terms  refigere  leges.  Dac. 

2d  Proserpina  fugit.  In  allusion  to  a superstition  of  the  ancients,  who 
believed  that  no  person  could  die,  until  Proserpine  or  Atropos  had  cut 
off  a lock  of  their  hair.  This  ceremony  was  considered  as  a kind  of  first- 
fruits,  consecrated  to  Pluto.  Torr. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


<*0 

by.  The  south  wind,  the  tempestuous  attendant  on  the  set- 
ting30 Orion,  has  sunk  me  also  in  the  Illyrian  waves.  But 
do  not  thou,  O sailor,  malignantly  grudge  to  give  a portion  of 
loose  sand  to  my  bones  and  unburied  head.  So,  whatever 
the  east  wind  shall  threaten  to  the  Italian  sea,  let  the  Venus- 
inran  woods  suffer,  while  you  are  in  safety;  and  manifold 
profit,  from  whatever  port  it  may,  come  to  you  by  favoring 
Jove,  and  Neptune,  the  defender  of  consecrated  Tarentum. 
But  if  you,  by  chance,  make  light  of31  committing  a crime, 
which  will  be  hurtful  to  your  innocent  posterity,  may  just 
laws  and  haughty  retribution  await  you.  I will  not  be 
deserted  with  fruitless  prayers ; and  no  expiations32  shall 
atone  for  you.  Though  you  are  in  haste,  you  need  not  tarry 
long:  after  having  thrice  sprinkled  the  dust  over  me,  you 
may  proceed. 


ODE  XXIX. 

TO  ICCIUS. 

0 Iccius,33  you  now  covet  the  opulent  treasures  of  the  Ara- 
bians, and  are  preparing  vigorous  for  a war  against  the  kings 
of  Saba,34  hitherto  unconquered,35  and  are  forming  chains  for 
the  formidable  Mede.  What  barbarian  virgin  shall  be  your 
slave,  after  you  have  killed  her  betrothed  husband  ? What 
boy  from  the  court  shall  be  made  your  cup-bearer,  with  his 

30  Which  declines  to  its  setting.  The  rising  and  setting  of  this  constel- 
lation are  usually  attended  with  storms.  Yirgil  calls  it  aquosum  and 
nimbosum.  Tore. 

31  “ Parum  curas,  pro  nihilo  habes  culpam  hujusmodi  in  te  admittere.” 
Orelli  ; who,  however,  reads  the  sentence  interrogatively'  which  is  more 
animated. 

32  Piaculum  signifies  both  the  crime  and  the  sacrifice  by  which  it  was 
expiated.  -San. 

33  Iccius,  a philosopher ; he  was  Agrippa’s  procurator  in  Sicily,  and  by 
him  presented  with  much  land.  Watson. 

34  Sabaea,  the  chief  city  of  Arabia  Felix,  called  now  Zibit,  where  is 
great  store  of  cinnamon,  cassia,  frankincense,  and  myrrh.  Watson. 

35  Non  ante,  devictis.  We  can  understand  these  words  only  of  that 
part  of  Arabia  called  Sabaea,  for  the  Romans  had  carried  their  arms  into 
others  parts  of  Arabia  under  several  different  generals.  Dac. 


ODE  XXX  xxxr. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


31 


perfumed  locks,  skilled  to  direct  the  Seric  arrows  with  his 
father’s  bow  ? Who  will  now  deny  that  it  is  probable  for  pre- 
cipitate rivers  to  flow  back  again  to  the  high  mountains,  and 
for  Tiber  to  change  his  course,  since  you  are  about  to  ex- 
change the  noble  works  of  Panaetius,  collected  from  all  parts, 
together  with  the  whole  Socratic  family,36  for  Iberian  armor, 
after  you  had  promised  better  things  ? 


ODE  XXX. 

TO  VENUS. 

O Venus,  queen  of  Gnidus37  and  Paphos,  neglect  your  fa- 
vorite Cyprus,  and  transport  yourself  into  the  beautiful 
temple  of  Glycera,  who  is  invoking  you  with  abundance  of 
frankincense.  Let  your  glowing  son  hasten  along  with  you, 
and  the  Graces  with  their  zones  loosed,  and  the  Nymphs,  and 
Youth  possessed  of  little  charm  without  you  and  Mercury. 


ODE  XXXI.38 

TO  APOLLO. 

What  does  the  poet  beg  from  Phoebus  on  the  dedication  of 
his  temple  ?39  What  does  he  pray  for,  while  he  pours  from  the 
flagon  the  first  libation?  Not  the  rich  crops  of  fertile  Sar- 

98  Socraticum  domum.  Horace  calls  the  sect  of  Socrates  Socraticum 
domum , as  the  schools  of  the  philosophers  were  called  familice.  Dac. 

37  Gnidus,  a town  in  Cana,  a country  in  Asia  Minor,  between  Lycia 
and  Ionia,  on  the  side  of  the  mountain  Taurus,  where  Venus  was  wor- 
shiped. Watson. 

38  In  the  year  726,  u.  c.  Octavius  dedicated  to  Apollo  a temple  and 
library  in  his  palace  on  Mount  Palatine ; which  having  been  struck  with 
lightning,  the  augurs  said  the  god  demanded  that  it  should  be  consecrated 
to  him.  Horace  was  then  thirty-eight  years  old.  Dac. 

39  “A  god  is  said  himself  to  be  dedicated,  to  whom  a new  temple  is 
consecrated.  Cic.  de  N.  D.  2,  23 ; ut  fides,  ut  mens , quas  in  Cajpitoliis  de- 
dicatas  videmus .”  Orelli. 


32 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  1. 


dinia  :40  not  the  goodly  flocks  of  scorched  Calabria  :41  not 
gold,  or  Indian  ivory:  not  those  countries,  which  the  still 
river  Liris  eats  away  with  its  silent  streams.  Let  those  to 
whom  fortune  has  given  the  Calenian  vineyards,  prune  them 
with  a hooked  knife ; and  let  the  wealthy  merchant  drink  out 
of  golden  cups  the  wines  procured  by  his  Syrian  merchandize, 
favored  by  the  gods  themselves,  inasmuch  as  without  loss 
he  visits  three  or  four  times  a year  the  Atlantic  Sea.  Me 
olives  support,  me  succories  and  soft  mallows.  O thou  son 
of  Latona,43  grant  me  to  enjoy  my  acquisitions,  and  to  possess 
my  health,  together  with  an  unimpaired  understanding,  I be- 
seech thee ; and  that  I may  not  lead  a dishonorable  old  age, 
nor  one  bereft  of  the  lyre. 


ODE  XXXII. 

TO  HIS  LYRE. 

We  are  called  upon.  If  ever,  O lyre,  in  idle  amusement  in 
the  shade  with  thee,  we  have  played  any  thing  that  may  live 
for  this  year  and  many,  come  on,  be  responsive  to  a Latin 
ode,  my  dear  lyre — first  tuned  by  a Lesbian  citizen,  who, 
fierce  in  war,  yet  amid  arms,  or  if  he  had  made  fast43  to  the 
watery  shore  his  tossed  vessel,  sung  Bacchus,  and  the  Muses, 
and  Venus,  and  the  boy  her  ever-close  attendant,  and  Lycus, 
lovely  for  his  black  eyes  and  jetty  locks.  O thou  ornament 
of  Apollo,  charming  shell,  agreeable  even  at  the  banquets  of 

40  Sardinia,  an  island  of  Italy,  which  formerly  belonged  to  the  Span- 
iards, but  is  now  subject  to  its  own  king,  who  is  of  the  family  of  Savoy. 
Watson. 

41  Calabria,  a country  in  the  uttermost  part  of  Italy,  which  is  almost 
an  isle ; it  brings  forth  fruit  twice  a year,  and  abounds  with  bees  and 
cattle.  Watson. 

42  Latona,  the  daughter  of  Ceus,  the  son  of  Titan,  who  made  war 
against  Jupiter  for  ravishing  his  daughter;  she,  to  fly  Juno’s  wrath,  fled 
to  the  island  Ortygia,  that  is,  Delos.  Watson. 

43  Religarat.  This  verb  has  two  significations  entirely  opposite,  and 
might  be  construed  either  to  set  sail,  or  to  cast  anchor.  The  sense  must 
here  determine  us  to  the  latter  meaning  of  the  word,  as  the  poet  opposes 
the  noise  and  tumult  of  battle  to  the  calm  and  repose  after  a storm.  San. 


ODE  XXXIII.  XXXIV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


33 


supreme  Jove!  O thou  sweet  alleviator  of  anxious  toils,  be 
propitious  to  me,  whenever  duly  invoking  thee ! 


ODE  XXXIII. 

TO  ALBIUS  TIBULLUS. 

Grieve  not  too  much,  my  Albius,44  thoughtful  of  cruel  Gly- 
cera ; nor  chant  your  mournful  elegies,  because,  as  her  faith 
being  broken,  a younger  man  is  more  agreeable  than  you  in 
her  eyes.  A love  for  Cyrus  inflames  Lycoris,  distinguished 
for  her  little  forehead  :4a  Cyrus  follows  the  rough  Pholoe  ; 
but  she-goats  shall  sooner  be  united  to  the  Apulian  wolves, 
than  Pholoe  shall  commit  a crime  with  a base  adulterer. 
Such  is  the  will  of  Venus,  who  delights  in  cruel  sport,  to 
subject  to  her  brazen  yokes  persons  and  tempers  ill  suited  to 
each  other.  As  for  myself,  the  slave-born  Myrtale,  more  um 
tractable  than  the  Adriatic  Sea  that  forms  the  Calabrian  gulfs, 
entangled  me  in  a pleasing  chain,  at  the  very  time  that  a more 
eligible  love  courted  my  embraces.  . 


ODE  XXXIV. 

AGAINST  THE  EPICUREANS. 

A remiss46  and  irregular  worshiper  of  the  gods,  while  I 
professed  the  errors  of  a senseless  philosophy,47  I am  now 

44  Albius  Tibullus,  an  eminent  poet,  who  wrote  several  fine  elegies, 
of  which  fb.ur  books  are  still  extant.  He  and  Virgil  died  much  about  the 
same  time.  Watson. 

45  Tenui  fronte.  The  Greeks  and  Latins  thought  a low  forehead  a 
great  beauty.  “ Frons  brevis  atque  modus  breviter  sit  naribus  uncis.” 
Mart.  And  Petronius  in  the  description  of  Circe:  “Frons  minima.” 
Dac. 

46  Par  cum  Beorum  cultor.  The  Epicureans  conformed  only  to  the 
outward  ceremonies  of  religious  worship,  which  they  thought  the  cre- 
dulity of  the  people  had  established.  This  superficial  kind  of  devotion, 
the  poet  hath  expressed  by  the  word  parcus . San. 

47  In  Lucret.  v.  10,  the  doctrine  of  Epicurus  is  called  wisdom  kcit' 


34 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


book  I. 


obliged  to  set  sail  back  again,  and  to  renew  the  course  that 
I had  deserted.  For  Jupiter,48  who  usually  cleaves  the  clouds 
with  his  gleaming  lightning,  lately  drove  his  thundering  horses 
and  rapid  chariot  through  the  clear  serene ; at  which  the 
sluggish  earth,  and  wandering  rivers ; at  which  Styx,  and  the 
horrid  seat  of  detested  Taenarus,49  and  the  utmost  boundary 
of  Atlasb0  were  shaken.  The  Deity  is  able  to  make  exchange 
between  the  highest  and  the  lowest,  and  diminishes  the  ex- 
alted, bringing  to  light  the  obscure  ; rapacious  fortune,  with 
a shrill  whizzing,  has  borne  off  the  plume  from  one  head,  and 
delights  in  having  placed  it  on  another. 


ODE  XXXV.61 

TO  FORTUNE. 

O goddess,  who  presidest  over  beautiful  Antium  ;6a  thou, 
that  art  ready  to  exalt  mortal  man  from  the  most  abject 
state,  or  to  convert  superb  triumphs  into  funerals ! Thee  the 
poor  countryman  solicits  with  his  anxious  vows;  whosoever 

t^oxnv,  the  perversity  of  whom  Horace  now  called  insanity.  Greg.  Naz. 
Invect.  Pr.  in  Julian,  p.  79 : uootyog,  iv*  ovrug  ovo/iuao,  cotyia.  Orelli. 

40  Diespiter  signifies  Diei  pater , as  Jupiter  is  put  for  Jovis  pater,  and 
Marspiter  for  Mars  pater.  San. 

49  Tsenarus,  a promontory  and  seaport  town  of  Peloponnesus,  full  of 
thick  woods,  where  the  poets  feign  was  a descent  to  hell,  called  by 
Ovid  Tsenaria  Porta,  the  Tsenarian  Gate ; by  Yirgil,  Tsenariae  Fauces, 
the  Taenarian  jaws.  Watson. 

60  Atlas,  a mountain  in  Mauritania,  so  high,  that  the  top  of  it  is  said 
to  reach  to  heaven,  and  bear  it  up.  Watson. 

61  The  subject  of  this  ode  is  perfectly  noble,  well  designed,  aud  well 
executed.  The  versification  is  flowing  and  harmonious,  the  expression 
bold  and  sublime. 

In  the  year  719,  Augustus  was  on  his  march  to  Britain,  but  was  re- 
called by  a revolt  of  the  Dalmatians.  In  727,  having  ended  the  civil 
wars  by  the  defeat  of  Antony,  he  again  resolved  to  turn  his  arms  against 
that  island,  but  was  satisfied  with  an  embassy  from  thence,  and  a promise 
of  obedience  to  any  conditions  which  he  pleased  to  impose  upon  them. 
These  conditions  not  being  well  observed,  he  was  determined  to  make  the 
Britons  feel  the  effects  of  his  displeasure,  yet  was  again  obliged  to  employ 
the  forces  of  the  republic  in  suppressing  an  insurrection  of  the  Salassi, 
Cantabri,  and  Asturii.  San. 

52  Antium,  an  ancient  city  of  Italy,  the  capital  of  the  Yolscians,  the 
Country  of  Nero,  and  a good  harbor  for  shipping.  Watson. 


ODE  XXXV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


35 


plows  the  Carpathian  Sea63  with  the  Bithynian64  vessel, 
importunes  thee,  as  mistress  of  the  ocean.  Thee  the  rough  Da- 
cian,66 thee  the  wandering  Scythians,  and  cities,  and  nations, 
and  warlike  Latium  also,  and  the  mothers  of  barbarian  kings, 
and  tyrants  clad  in  purple,  fear.  Spurn  not  with  destructive 
foot  that  column  which  now  stands  firm,  nor  let  popular  tu- 
mult rouse  those,  who  now  rest  quiet,  to  arms — to  arms — and 
break  the  empire.  Necessity,  thy  minister,  always  marches 
before  thee,  holding  in  her  brazen  hand  huge  spikes  and 
wedges ; nor  is  the  unyielding  clamp  absent,  nor  the  melted 
lead.  Thee  Hope  reverences,  and  rare  Fidelity,  robed  in  a 
white  garment ; nor  does  she  refuse  to  bear  thee  company,68 
howsoever  in  wrath  thou  change  thy  robe,  and  abandon  the 
houses  of  the  powerful.  But  the  faithless  crowd  [of  com- 
panions], and  the  perjured  harlot  draw  back.  Friends,  too 
faithless  to  bear  equally  the  yoke  of  adversity,  when  casks  are 
exhausted,  very  dregs  and  all,  fly  off.  Preserve  thou  Caesar, 
who  is  meditating  an  expedition  against  the  Britons,  the 
furthest  people  in  the  world,  and  also  the  new  levy  of  youths 
to  be  dreaded  by  the  Eastern  regions,67  and  the  Red  Sea. 
Alas ! I am  ashamed  of  our  scars,  and  our  wickedness,  and 
of  brethren.  What  have  we,  a hardened  age,  avoided  i 
What  have  we  in  our  impiety  left  unviolated ! From  what 
have  our  youth  restrained  their  hands,  out  of  reverence  to  the 
gods  ? What  altars  have  they  spared  ? O mayest  thou  forge 
anew  our  blunted  swords  on  a different  anvil  against  the  Mas- 
sagetse  and  Arabians. 

69  The  Carpathian  Sea,  so  called  from  Carpathus,  an  isle  between 
Rhodes  and  Crete,  which  usually  retaineth  its  ancient  name.  Watson. 

64  Bithynia,  a country  of  Asia  the  Less,  next  to  Troas,  over  against 
Thrace,  and,  as  is  supposed,  planted  by  Thracians;  whence  Xenophon 
calls  it  Thracia  Asiatica.  Watson. 

65  Dacia  was  a country  of  Hungary  beyond  the  Danube. 

66  Nec  comitem  abnegat ] se,  ut  Ter.  Enn.  2,  3,  84,  “ facile  ut  eunucho 
probes,”  i.  e.  te  Ovid.  A.  A.  i.  12T,  “Si  qua  repugnarat  nimium  comi- 
temque  negarat,”  se.  Orelli. 

67  Eois  timendum.  In  the  end  of  the  year  727,  ^Elius  Gallus  marched 
with  an  army  to  succeed  Cornelius  in  the  government  of  Egypt,  and  as 
be  wanted  a fleet  for  his  expedition  against  the  Arabians,  he  ordered  a 
number  of  ships  to  be  built  in  the  ports  of  the  Red  Sea.  As  this  army 
alarmed  all  the  countries  of  the  East,  so  the  Romans  had  the  greatest  ex- 
pectations that  it  would  revenge  all  the  insults  which  the  republic  had 
received  from  the  Parthians.  San. 


36 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  i. 


ODE  XXXVI.68 

This  is  a joyful  occasion  to  sacrifice  both  with  incense  and 
music  of  the  lyre,  and  the  votive  blood  of  a heifer  to  the  gods, 
the  guardians  of  Numida ; who,  now  returning  in  safety  from 
the  extremest  part  of  Spain,  imparts  many  embraces  to  his 
beloved  companions,  but  to  none  more  than  his  dear  Lamia, 
mindful  of  his  childhood  spent  under  one  and  the  same 
governor,  and  of  the  gown,  which  they  changed  at  the  same 
time.69  Let  not  this  joyful  day  be  without  a Cretan  mark  of 
distinction  ;60  let  us  not  spare  the  jar  brought  forth  [from  the 
cellar] ; nor,  Salian-like,  let  there  be  any  cessation  of  feet ; 
nor  let  the  toping  Damalis  conquer  Bassus  in  the  Thracian 
Amystis;61  nor -let  there  be  roses  wanting  to  the  banquet, 
nor  the  ever-green  parsley,  nor  the  short-lived  lily.  All  the 
company  will  fix  their  dissolving  eyes  on  Damalis ; but  she, 
more  luxuriant  than  the  wanton  ivy,  will  not  be  separated 
from  her  new  lover. 


ODE  XXXVII.62 

TO  HIS  COMPANIONS. 

Now,  my  companions,  is  the  time  to  carouse,  now  to  beat  the 
ground  with  a light  foot : now  is  the  time  that  was  to  deck 

68  It  is  probable  that  this  ode  was  written  in  the  year  730,  when  Nu- 
mida  returned  with  Augustus  from  the  war  of  Spain,  and  we  may  judge 
with  how  much  tenderness  Horace  loved  his  friends,  when  he  celebrated 
their  return  with  sacrifices,  songs,  and  dances.  San. 

69  Mutatceque  simul  togce.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  the  Roman  youth 
put  on  the  toga , and  were  no  longer  under  the  tutor’s  power.  The  toga 
was  a large  mantle  worn  over  the  tunica , and  different  in  length,  color, 
and  ornaments,  according  to  the  fortune  or  profession  of  the  wearer.  San. 

60  Cressa  ne  careat.  As  chalk  was  found  in  great  abundance  in  Crete, 
the  ancients  used  to  say  proverbially,  a Cretan  mark , for  any  mark  of  joy 
and  happiness ; on  the  contrary,  their  unlucky  days  were  said  to  be 
marked  with  black  Lamb. 

61  Threicid  Amystide.  This  term  is  G-reek,  and  signifies  a custom 
among  the  Thracians  of  drinking  a certain  measure  of  wine,  without 
closing  the  lips,  or  taking  breath.  Lamb. 

62  At  the  first  announcement  of  the  victory  at  Actium,  Horace  en- 


ODE  XXXVII. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


37 


the  couch  of  the  gods  with  Salian03  dainties.  Before  this,  it 
was  impious  to  produce  the  old  Csecuban  stored  up  by  your 
ancestors ; while  the  queen,  with  a contaminated  gang  of 
creatures,  noisome  through  distemper,  was  preparing  giddy 
destruction  for  the  Capitol  and  the  subversion  of  the  empire, 
being  weak  enough  to  hope  for  any  thing,  and  intoxicated 
with  her  prospering  fortune.  But  scarcely  a single  ship 
preserved  from  the  flames64  bated  her  fury  ; and  Caesar  brought 
down  her  mind,  inflamed  with  Egyptian  wine,  to  real  fears, 
close  pursuing  her  in  her  flight  from  Italy  with  his  galleys 
(as  the  hawk  pursues  the  tender  doves,  or  the  nimble  hunter 
the  hare  in  the  plains  of  snowy  iEmon),  that  he  might  throw 
into  chains65  this  destructive  monster  [of  a woman] ; who, 
seeking  a more  generous  death,  neither  had  an  effeminate 
dread  of  the  sword,  nor  repaired  with  her  swift  ship  to  hid- 
den shores.  She  was  able  also  to  look  upon  her  palace,  lying 

courages  his  companions  to  give  free  reins  to  joy  and  hilarity,  yet  still 
to  honor  and  admire  the  noble  spirit  and  bold  resolution  of  the  ill-fated 
Cleopatra.  With  the  true  spirit  of  a Roman  citizen  he  is  silent  of  his  fellow 
Roman,  Antony.  The  senate,  too,  had  not  proclaimed  war  against  him} 
but  against  Cleopatra,  and  Augustus  triumphed  not  ostensibly  over  his 
fallen  colleague  in  the  triumvirate,  but  over  an  Egyptian  queen.  It  was, 
indeed,  his  interest,  that  men  should  speedily  forget  that  h|g  former  friend 
and  relative  had  been,  by  him,  forced  to  death,  and  that  in  the  glare  of 
victory  the  Romans  should  be  flattered,  not  alarmed. 

The  tidings  of  the  death  of  both  were  brought  to  Rome,  in  the  autumn 
of  A.  u c.  724,  by  M.  Tullius  Cicero,  the  son  of  the  orator  and  then 
Consul  Suffectus ; and  that  this  is  one  of  the  earliest  lyric  compositions  of 
Horace  is  probable,  as  well  from  its  subject  as  by  the  irregularity  of  its 
composition,  such  as  the  synalephe  in  v.  5,  and  neglect  of  the  caesura  in 
vs.  5 and  14.  Anthon. 

63  The  Salii  were  priests  of  Mars,  instituted  by  Numa  Pompilius,  twelve 
in  number,  of  the  senatorial  rank ; their  number  was  doubled  by  Tullus 
Hostilius.  These,  armed  with  a brazen  helmet,  belt,  and  breastplate, 
went  through  the  city  with  a constant  even  pace,  dancing  to  the  sound  of 
musical  instruments.  Their  solemn  processions  were  very  magnificent. 
Hence  the  proverb  Dapes  Saliares , for  a grand  entertainment. 

64  Ab  ignibus.  The  fleet  of  Antony,  even  after  his  flight,  made  such 
an  obstinate  resistance,  that  Augustus  was  obliged  to  send  for  fire  from 
his  camp  to  destroy  it. 

65  Daret  ut  catenis.  Octavius  had  given  particular  directions  to  Pro- 
culeius  and  Epaphroditus  to  take  Cleopatra  alive,  that  he  might  make 
himself  master  of  her  treasures,  and  have  the  glory  of  leading  her  in  tri- 
umph. Justly  sensible  of  this  ignominy,  she  had  reserved  a dagger  for 
her  last  extremities,  and  when  she  saw  Proculeius  enter,  she  raised  it  to 
stab  herself,  but  he  dexterously  wrenched  it  from  her.  Lamb. 


38 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


in  ruins,  with  a countenance  unmoved,  and  courageous  enough 
to  handle  exasperated  asps,  that  she  might  imbibe  in  her  body 
the  deadly  poison,  being  more  resolved  by  having  pre-meditated 
her  death : for  she  was  a woman  of  such  greatness  of  soul,  as 
to  scorn  to  be  carried  off  in  haughty  triumph,  like  a private 
person,  by  rough  Liburnians.66 


ODE  XXXVIII. 

TO  HIS  SERVANT. 

Boy,  I detest  the  pomp  of  the  Persians ; chaplets,  which  are 
woven  with  the  rind  of  the  linden,  displease  me ; give  up  the 
search  for  the  place  where  the  latter  rose  abides.  It  is  my 
particular  desire  that  you  make  no  laborious  addition  to  the 
plain  myrtle ; for  myrtle  is  neither  unbecoming  you  a servant, 
nor  me,  while  I quaff  under  this  mantling  vine. 

66  Scevis  Liburnis.  The  poet  mentions  those  vessels,  not  only  because 
they  were  particularly  serviceable  in  gaming  the  victory,  but  in  compli- 
ment to  his  patron  Maecenas,  who  commanded  that  squadron.  San. 


THE  SECOND  BOOK 


OF  THE 

ODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  I. 

TO  ASINIUS  POLLIO. 

You  are  treating  of  the  civil  commotion,1  which  began  from 
the  consulship  of  Metellus,2  and  the  causes,3  and  the  errors, 
and  the  operations  of  the  war,  and  the  game  that  fortune 
played,  and  the  pernicious  confederacy  of  the  chiefs,  and  arms 
stained  with  blood4  not  yet  expiated — a work  full  of  danger 
and  hazard:  and  you  are  treading  upon  fires,  hidden  under 
deceitful  ashes : let  therefore  the  muse  that  presides  over 
severe  tragedy,  be  for  a while  absent  from  the  theaters; 
shortly,  when  thou  hast  completed  the  narrative  of  the  public 

1 Caius  Asinius  Pollio  was  a person  who  made  a very  considerable 
figure  in  the  court  of  Augustus.  As  he  was  distinguished  by  his  valor 
and  conduct,  he  had  frequently  the  command  of  the  armies  given  him. 
He  vanquished  the  Dalmatians,  and  triumphed  over  them.  He  was  no 
less  eminent  for  his  learning,  than  for  his  warlike  accomplishments. 

3 “ From  the  consulship  of  Metellus.’5  The  narrative  of  Pollio,  con- 
sequently, began  with  the  formation  of  the  government  denominated  (al- 
though erroneously,  since  it  was  no  magistratus)  the  first  triumvirate,  by 
Caesar,  Pompey,  and  Crassus,  A.  u.  c.  694,  in  the  consulship  of  Q.  Caecilius 
Metellus  Celer,  and  L.  Afranius.  This  may  well  be  considered  as  the 
germ  of  the  civil  wars  that  ensued,  and  which  blazed  forth  with  fury  ten 
years  later.  The  Romans  marked  the  year  by  the  names  of  the  consuls, 
and  he  who  has  most  suffrages,  etc.,  was  placed  first.  Anthon. 

3 Gausas , i.  e.  the  death  of  Crassus,  the  death  of  Julia,  and  the  am- 
bition and  rivalry  of  Csesar  and  Pompey.  Orell.  The  term  vitia  has 
here  a particular  reference  to  the  rash  and  unwise  plans  of  Pompey  and 
his  followers,  and,  also,  to  the  mismanagement  of  Crassus  in  his  expedi- 
tion against  the  Parthians.  M‘Caul. 

4 Gruoribus , i.  e.  “ blood  shed  often  and  in  many  places:’5  thus  aijuara 
is  used  by  the  Tragedians,  as  JEsch.  Suppl.  262  : 

n aTidiuv  ciijuuTuv  (XLuafiaoiv.  M‘Caul. 


40 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL 


affairs,  you  shall  resume  your  great  work  in  the  tragic  style  of 
Athens,5  O Pollio,  thou  excellent  succor  to  sorrowing  defend- 
ants and  a consulting  senate ; [Pollio,]  to  whom  the  laurel 
produced  immortal  honors  in  the  Dalmatian  triumph.  Even 
now  you  stun  our  ears  with  the  threatening  murmur  of  horns : 
now  the  clarions  sound ; now  the  glitter  of  arms  affrights  the 
flying  steeds,  and  dazzles  the  sight  of  the  riders.  Now  I seem 
to  hear0  of  great  commanders  besmeared  with  glorious  dust, 
and  the  whole  earth  subdued,  except  the  stubborn  soul  of 
Cato.T  Juno,  and  every  other  god  propitious  to  the  Africans, 
impotently  went  off,  leaving  that  land  unrevenged ; hut  soon 
offered8  the  descendants  of  the  conquerors,  as  sacrifices  to  the 
manes  of  Jugurtha.9  What  plain,  enriched  by  Latin  blood, 
bears  not  record,  by  its  numerous  sepulchers,  of  our  impious 
battles,  and  of  the  sound  of  the  downfall  of  Italy,  heard  even 
by  the  Medes  ? What  pool,  what  livers,  are  unconscious  of 
our  deplorable  war  ? What  sea  have  not  the  Daunian10 
slaughters  discolored  ? What  shore  is  unstained  by  our 
blood  ? Do  not,  however,  rash  muse,  neglecting  your  jocose 
strains,  resume  the  task  of  Csean  jdaintive  song,11  but  rather 
with  me  seek  measures  of  a lighter  style12  beneath  some  love- 
sequestered  grotto.13 

6  The  cothurnus  ( KoOopvog ) is  here  put  figuratively  for  tragedy. 
12.  Cecropio.  Equivalent  to  Attico,  and  alluding  to  Cecrops  as  the 
founder  of  Athens.  Anthon. 

6 On  this  zeugma  see  my  notes  on  iEsch.  Prom.  22,  ed.  Bohn. 

7 Cato  of  Utica,  so  remarkable  for  his  virtue,  and  the  strenuous  opposi- 
tion he  made  to  tyranny.  After  the  defeat  of  Pompey,  he  was  shut  up 
by  Caesar  in  Utica,  where,  rather  than  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  conqueror, 
and  survive  the  ruin  of  his  country,  he  slew  himself.  Watson. 

8 Rettulit  inferias.  The  word  rettulit  is  here  taken  in  the  same  sense 
as  in  the  proverb  par  pari  referre,  and  inferias  alludes  to  a custom  of  the 
ancients,  who  sacrificed  a number  of  prisoners  upon  the  tombs  of  their 
generals.  Tor. 

9 Jugurtha,  a king  of  Numidia,  who  being  engaged  in  war  with  the 
Romans,  was  taken  by  Sylla,  and  led  in  triumph  by  Marius.  Watson. 

10  i.  e.  Roman,  cf.  Od.  i.  22,  13. 

11  Gece  retractes  munera  ncenice.  Noenia  is  a word  properly  signifying 
the  song  which  was  sung  at  funerals  by  the  mourners.  But  by  Noenia,  in 
this  passage,  the  poet  intends  the  goddess  Nsenia,  who  presided  over  tears, 
lamentations,  and  funerals.  Dac. 

12  Ovid,  Met.  10,  150,  “Cecini  plectro  graviore  Gigantas — Nunc  opua 
est  leviore  lyra.”  Orelli. 

13  Dionceo  sub  antro.  Although  Dione  was  the  mother  of  Venus,  }^et 
Venus  herself  is  called  by  that  name.  The  poet  therefore  invites  his 


ODE  II. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


41 


ODE  II. 

TO  CRISPUS  SALLUSTIUS. 

O Crispus  Sallustius,14  tliou  foe  to  bullion,15  unless  it  de- 
rives splendor  from  a moderate  enjoyment,  there  is  no  luster 
in  money  concealed  in  the  niggard  earth.  Proculeius16  shall 
live  an  extended  age,  conspicuous  for  fatherly  affection  to 
brothers  ; surviving  fame  shall  bear  him  on  an  untiring  wing.17 
You  may  possess  a more  extensive  dominion  by  controlling  a 
craving  disposition,  than  if  you  could  unite  Libya  to  the  dis- 
tant Gades,  and  the  natives  of  both  the  Carthages  were  sub- 
ject to  you  alone.  The  direful  dropsy  increases  by  self- 
indulgence,  nor  extinguishes  its  thirst,  unless  the  cause  of  the 
disorder  has  departed  from  the  veins,  and  the  watery  languor 
from  the  pallid  body.  Virtue,  differing  from  the  vulgar,  ex- 
cepts Phraates13  though  restored  to  the  throne  of  Cyrus, 
from  the  number  of  the  happy ; and  teaches  the  populace  to 
disuse  false  names  for  things,  by  conferring  the  kingdom  and 
a safe  diadem  and  the  perpetual19  laurel  upon  him  alone,  who 
can  view  large  heaps  of  treasure  with  undazzled  eye. 

muse  into  the  cave  of  Yenus,  there  to  sing  of  love  and  gallantry  in  a tone 
less  elevated,  leviore  plectro,  and  forbids  her  to  imitate  the  plaintive 
strains  of  Simonides.  Lamb. 

14  Tacitus,  in  the  third  book  of  his  Annals,  hath  given  us  a very  finished 
picture  of  this  Sallust.  He  was  grand-nephew  to  the  excellent  author  of 
the  Roman  History,  who  adopted  him,  and  left  him  his  name  and  fortune. 

15  The  construction  is:  “inimice,  lamnse,  nisi  [lamna]  splendeat.” 

16  Proculeius.  He  had  two  brothers,  Terentius  and  Licinius.  Teren- 
tius  was  made  consul  elect  in  the  year  seven  hundred  and  thirty,  but  died 
before  he  could  enter  upon  his  office.  Licinius  unfortunately  engaged 
himself  in  a conspiracy  against  Augustus,  nor  could  all  the  interest  of 
Proculeius  and  Maecenas,  who  had  married  their  sister  Terentia,  preserve 
him  from  banishment.  An  old  commentator  relates  a particular  story, 
which  greatly  enlightens  this  passage : he  says,  that  Proculeius  divided 
his  patrimony  with  his  brothers,  whose  fortunes  were  ruined  in  the  civil 
wars.  Dac.  San. 

17  For  this  periphrasis  cf.  Od.  3,  11,  10:  “metuitque  tangi,”  Yirg. 
Orelli. 

18  Phraates,  a king  of  the  Parthians,  who  slew  his  own  father  Orodes, 
thirty  brothers,  and  his  eldest  son.  He  was  expelled  the  kingdom  by  his 
subjects,  and  afterward  re-established  by  the  Scythians  in  the  year  of 
Rome  728.  Watson. 

19  So  “propria  munera,”  Sat.  ii.  2,  5;  “da  propriam  domum.”  Yirg. 
AFk;--  iii.  85.  Orelli. 


42 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL 


ODE  III. 

TO  QUINTUS  DELLIUS. 

O Dellius,20  since  thou  art  born  to  die,  be  mindful  to  pre- 
serve a temper  of  mind  even  in  times  of  difficulty,  as  well  as 
restrained  from  insolent  exultation  in  prosperity : whether 
thou  shalt  lead  a life  of  continual  sadness,  or  through  happy 
days  regale  thyself  with  Falernian  wine  of  the  oldest  date,21 
at  ease  reclined  in  some  grassy  retreat,  where  the  lofty  pine 
and  hoary  poplar  delight  to  interweave  their  boughs  into 
a hospitable  shade,  and  the  clear  current  with  trembling 
surface  purls  along  the  meandering  rivulet.  Hither  order 
[your  slaves]  to  bring  the  wine,  and  the  perfumes,  and  the 
too  short-lived  flowers  of  the  grateful  rose,  while  fortune,  and 
age,  and  the  sable  threads  of  the  three  sisters  permit  thee. 
You  must  depart  from  your  numerous  purchased  groves  ;22 
from  your  house  also,  and  that  villa,  which  the  yellow  Tiber 
washes,  you  must  depart : and  an  heir  shall  possess  these 
high-piled  riches.  It  is  of  no  consequence  whether  you  are 
the  wealthy  descendant  of  ancient  Inachus,  or  whether,  poor 
and  of  the  most  ignoble  race,  you  live  without  a covering 
from  the  open  air,  since  you  are  the  victim  of  merciless 
Pluto.  We  are  all  driven  toward  the  same  quarter : the  lot 
of  all  is  shaken  in  the  urn ; destined  sooner  or  later  to  come 
forth,  and  embark  us  in  [Charon’s]  boat  for  eternal  exile. 

20  Dellius  was  a true  picture  of  inconstancy.  After  Caesar’s  death  he 
changed  his  party  four  times  in  the  space  of  twelve  years,  from  whence 
Messala  used  pleasantly  to  call  him  desultorem  lellorum  civilium , in  allu- 
sion to  a custom  of  the  ancient  cavalry,  who  had  two  horses,  and  vaulted 
from  one  to  the  other,  as  they  were  tired.  The  peace  that  succeeded  the 
civil  wars,  gave  him  an  opportunity  of  establishing  his  affairs,  which 
naturally  must  have  been  greatly  disordered  by  so  many  changes.  At  this 
time  Horace  wrote  this  ode,  in  which  he  instructs  him  in  the  purest 
maxims  of  Epicurean  philosophy.  San. 

21  “With  the  old  Falernian,”  i.  e.  the  choicest  wine,  which  was  placed 
in  the  furthest  part  of  the  vault  or  crypt,  marked  with  its  date  and  growth. 
Nota.  Thus  Catullus,  lxviii.  28,  “de  meliore  nota;”  and  Curius,  ap. 
Cic.  vii.  29,  “Sulpicii  successori,  nos  de  meliore  nota  commenda.”  Some 
insert  only  a comma  after  Falerni , and  thus  join  the  succeeding  strophe 
to  this,  “ Sed  propter  meliorem  totius  periodi  constructionem  prsestare 
videtur  distinctio  nostra.”  Orell.  M‘Caul. 

22  “ Bought  up  on  all  sides.”  Anthon. 


ODE  IT. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


43 


ODE  IV. 

TO  XANTHIAS  PHOCEUS. 

Let  not,  0 Xanthias  Phoceus,  your  passion  for  your  maid 
but  you  out  of  countenance ; before  your  time,  the  slave 
Briseis23  moved  the  haughty  Achilles  by  her  snowy  com- 
plexion. The  beauty  of  the  captive  Tecmessa24  smote  her 
master,  the  Telamonian  Ajax ; Agamemnon,  in  the  midst  of 
victory,  burned  for  a ravished  virgin : when  the  barbarian 
troops  fell  by  the  hands  of  their  Thessalian  conqueror,  and 
Hector,25  vanquished,  left  Troy  more  easily  to  be  destroyed  by 
the  Grecians.  You  do  not  know  that  perchance  the  beautiful 
Phyllis  has  parents  of  condition  happy  enough  to  do  honor 
to  you  their  son-in-law.  Certainly  she  must  be  of  royal 
race,20  and  laments  the  unpropitiousness  of  her  family-gods. 
Be  confident,  that  your  beloved  is  not  of  the  worthless  crowd  ; 
nor  that  one  so  true,  so  unmercenary,  could  possibly  be  born 
of  a mother  to  be  ashamed  of.  I can  commend  arms,  and  face, 
and  well-made  legs,  quite  chastely  : avoid  being  jealous  of  one, 
whose  age  is  hastening  onward  to  bring  its  eighth  lustrum27 
to  a close. 

23  Briseis.  Her  true  name  was  Hippodamia,  but  she  was  called 
Briseis,  after  her  father  Brises,  the  priest  of  Apollo.  She  was  taken  cap- 
tive at  Lyrnessus  by  the  Greeks,  and  fell  to  the  share  of  Achilles. 
Watson. 

24  Tecmessa,  a captive  Trojan  maid.  Watson. 

25  Hector,  the  son  of  Priam,  the  most  valiant  of  the  Trojans,  who,  after 
defending  his  country  ten  years  against  all  the  attacks  of  the  Greeks,  fell 
at  length  by  the  hand  of  Achilles,  who  dragged  his  body  thrice  round  the 
walls  of  Troy,  and  afterward  sold  it  to  his  father  Priam.  Watson. 

26  There  is  considerable  irony  in  this  stanza,  “most  undoubtedly  she 
is  the  daughter  of  some  Eastern  monarch,  assuredly  she  laments  the 
severity  of  untoward  fate.”  To  the  words  regium  genus , some  com- 
mentators supply  est , but  the  words  are  governed  by  mceret.  Anthon. 

27  A lustrum  was  a period  of  five  years,  so  that  the  poet  must  now  have 
been  in  his  fortieth  year,  and  the  ode  must  have  been  composed  about 
729  or  730,  A.  u.  c.  The  phrase  claudere  lustrum  is  used  by  Horace, 
purposely  to  avoid  the  regular  phrase  condere  lustrum , which  would  be 
unsuited  to  this  careless  ode,  and  which  properly  refers  to  the  sacrifice 
called  Suovetaurilia  or  Solitaurilia,  which  closed  the  census,  the  review  of 
the  people  taking  place  every  lustrum,  or  at  the  end  of  ever  five  years. 
Anthon. 


44 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


ODE  V. 

Not  yet  is  she  fit  to  be  broken  to  the  yoke ; not  yet  is 
she  equal  to  the  duties  of  a partner,28  nor  can  she  support 
the  weight  of  the  bull  impetuously  rushing  to  enjoyment. 
Your  heifer’s  sole  inclination  is  about  verdant  fields,  one 
while  in  running  streams  soothing  the  grievous  heat ; at 
another,  highly  delighted  to  frisk  with  the  steerlings  in  the 
moist  willow-ground.  Suppress  your  appetite  for  the  im- 
mature grape ; shortly  variegated  autumn  will  tinge  for  thee 
the  livid  clusters  with  a purple  hue.  Shortly  she  shall  follow 
you  ; for  her  impetuous  time  runs  on,  and  shall  place  to  her 
account  those  years  of  which  it  abridges  you  ; shortly  Lalage 
with  a wanton  assurance  will  seek  a husband,  beloved  in  a 
higher  degree  than  the  coy  Pholoe,  or  even  Chloris ; shining 
as  brightly  with  her  fair  shoulder,  as  the  spotless  moon  upon 
the  midnight  sea,  or  even  the  Gnidian  Gyges,  whom  if  you 
should  intermix  in  a company  of  girls,  the  undiscernible 
difference  occasioned  by  his  flowing  locks  and  doubtful 
countenance  would  wonderfully  impose  even  on  sagacious 
strangers. 


ODE  YI. 

TO  SEPTIMUS. 

Septimius,29  who  art  ready  to  go  with  me,  even  to  Gades,  and 
to  the  Cantabrian,  still  untaught  to  bear  our  yoke,  and  the  in- 
hospitable Syrtes,  where  the  Mauritanian  wave  perpetually 
boils  : O may  Tibur,  founded  by  a Grecian  colony,  be  the 
habitation  of  my  old  age  ! There  let  there  be  an  end  to  my 
fatigues  by  sea,  and  land,  and  war ; whence  if  the  cruel  fates 

28  Or  rather,  “yoke-fellow.” 

29  Septimius,  a Roman  knight,  and  lyric  and  tragic  poet;  he  was  one 
of  Horace’s  school  companions,  and  had  been  a fellow-soldier  with  him 
in  the  army  of  Brutus  and  Cassius,  and  had  the  good  fortune  also  to  be 
Teceived  into  the  favor  of  Augustus.  Watson. 


ODE  VIL 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


45 


debar  me,  I will  seek  the  river  of  Galesus,30  delightful  for 
sheep  covered  with  skins,31  and  the  countries  reigned  over  by 
Lacedaemonian  Phalantus.32  That  corner  of  the  world  smiles 
in  my  eye  beyond  all  others ; where  the  honey  yields  not  to 
the  Hymettian,  and  the  olive  rivals  the  verdant  Venafrian  : 
where  the  temperature  of  the  air  produces  a long  spring  and 
mild  winters,  and  Aulon  friendly  to  the  fruitful  vine,  envies 
not  the  Falernian  grapes.  That  place,  and  those  blest  heights,33 
solicit  you  and  me  ; there  you  shall  bedew  the  glowing  ashes 
of  your  poet  friend  with  a tear  due  [to  his  memory].34 


ODE  VII. 


TO  POMPEIUS  VARUS. 

0 thou,  often  reduced  with  me  to  the  last  extremity  in  the  war 
which  Brutus  carried  on,  who  has  restored  thee  as  a Roman 
citizen,36  to  the  gods  of  thy  country  and  the  Italian  air,  Pom- 

30  Galesus,  a river  of  Calabria,  that  runs  into  the  bay  of  Tarentum, 
about  five  miles  from  the  city:  its  waters  are  beautiful,  and  current 
slow;  whence  Horace  says  it  is  agreeable  to  the  sheep.  Watson. 

31  Pellitis  ovibus.  The  sheep  of  Tarentum  and  Attica  had  a wool  so 
fine,  that  they  were  covered  with  skins  to  preserve  it  from  the  inclemency 
of  the  weather.  Pliny  says,  these  covertures  were  brought  from  Arabia. 
Cruq. 

32  Alluding  to  the  story  of  Phalantus  and  the  Parthenii.  Phalantus 
was  expelled  from  Lacedaemon  (b.  c.  fOO)  under  the  following  circum- 
stances : While  the  Spartans  were  absent  during  the  Messenian  wars, 
their  ladies,  either  ordered,  as  some  traditions  have  it,  or  of  their  own 
free  will,  elevated  their  slaves  to  the  rank  of  temporary  husbands.  The 
offspring  of  these  connections,  denominated  the  Parthenii,  were  expelled 
by  the  Spartans  on  their  return,  and  under  Phalantus,  their  leader,  they 
colonized  Tarentum,  so  called  from  Taras,  a reputed  son  of  Neptune. 
Anthon. 

33  Cf.  Virg.  G.  iv.  461.  “Rhodopeias  arces”=“the  heights  of  Rho- 
dope.” 

34  Debita  sparges.  These  words,  cum  lacrymis  posuit,  are  frequently 
found  in  ancient  epitaphs,  and  in  the  urn  a little  bottle  filled  with  tears. 
Torr. 

35  The  name  Quiritem  here  implies  a full  return  to  all  the  rights  and 
privileges  of  citizenship,  which  had  been  forfeited  by  his  bearing  arms 
against  the  established  authority  of  the  triumvirate.  Anthon. 


46 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK 


pey,  thou  first  of  my  companions ; with  whom  I have  fre- 
quently broken  the  tedious  day  in  drinking,  having  my  hair, 
shining  with  the  Syrian  malobathrum,  crowned  [with  flow- 
ers] ! Together  with  thee  did  I experience  the  [battle  of] 
Philippi36  and  a precipitate  flight,  having  shamefully  enough 
left  my  shield ; when  valor  was  broken,  and  the  most  dar- 
ing37 smote  the  squalid  earth  with  their  faces.  But  Mercury38 
swift  conveyed  me  away,  terrified  as  I was,  in  a thick  cloud 
through  the  midst  of  the  enemy.  Thee  the  reciprocating  sea, 
with  his  tempestuous  waves,  bore  back  again  to  war.  Where- 
fore render  to  Jupiter  the  offering  that  is  due,  and  deposit  your 
limbs,  wearied  with  a tedious  war,39  under  my  laurel,  and  spare 
not  the  casks  reserved  for  you.  Fill  up  the  polished  bowls  with 
care-dispelling  Massic  : pour  out  the  perfumed  ointments  from 
the  capacious  shells.  Who  takes  care  to  quickly  weave  the 
chaplets  of  fresh  parsley  or  myrtle  ? Whom  shall  the  Venus40 


96  Philippi,  a city  of  Macedonia  on  the  borders  of  Thrace,  famous  for 
the  overthrow  of  Brutus  and  Cassius  by  Augustus.  Watson. 

87  Minaces.  After  the  battle  of  Philippi,  in  which  Octavius  was  routed 
by  Brutus,  his  soldiers  demanded,  in  a mutinous  manner,  to  be  led 
against  the  enemy ; they  complained  that  they  should  be  confined  within 
their  camp,  when  the  forces  of  Octavius,  broken  by  their  late  defeat,  and 
oppressed  by  famine,  might  easily  be  conquered.  Brutus,  at  last,  fatally 
gave  way  to  their  temerity  and  impatience,  for  which  the  poet  gives 
them  the  epithet  minaces. 

38  Mercury.  He  here  alludes  to  the  fights  described  by  Homer, 
where  the  gods  surround  those  they  are  willing  to  save  with  a thick 
cloud,  and  carry  them  off  from  the  fury  of  their  enemies.  This  is  here 
ascribed  to  Mercury,  as  the  father  of  eloquence,  and  the  protector  of 
learned  men. 

39  Five  years,  in  a party  always  unfortunate,  might  well  seem  a tedious 
and  fatiguing  warfare.  San. 

40  The  ancients  at  their  feasts  appointed  a person  to  preside  by  throw- 
ing the  dice,  whom  they  called  arbiter  bibendi  (ov/moGidpxyc;),  “master 
of  the  feast.”  He  directed  every  thing  at  pleasure.  In  playing  at  games 
of  chance  they  used  three  tesserce,  and  four  tali.  The  tesserae  had  six 
sides,  marked  I.  II.  III.  IY.  V.  VI.  The  tali  had  four  sides,  longwise, 
for  the  two  ends  were  not  regarded.  On  one  side  was  marked  one  point 
(unio,  an  ace,  called  Canis ),  and  on  the  opposite  side  six  ( Senio ),  while 
on  the  two  other  sides  were  three  and  four  ( ternio  et  quaternio).  The 
highest  or  most  fortunate  throw  was  called  Venus , and  determined  the 
director  of  the  feast.  It  was,  of  the  tesserce , three  sixes : of  the  tali,  when 
all  of  them  came  out  different  numbers.  The  worst  or  lowest  throw  was 
termed  Canis,  and  was,  of  the  tesserce , three  aces ; and  of  the  tali,  when 
they  were  all  the  same.  Anthon. 


ODE  YIIL  EL 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


47 


pronounce  to  be  master  of  the  revel  ? In  wild  carouse  I will 
become  frantic  as  the  Bacchanalians.  ’T  is  delightful  to  mo 
to  play  the  madman,  on  the  reception  of  my  friends. 


ODE  yin. 

TO  BARINE. 

If  any  punishment,  Barine,  for  your  violated  oath  had  ever 
been  of  prejudice  to  you  : if  you  had  become  less  agreeable  by 
the  blackness  of  a single  tooth  or  nail,  I might  believe  you. 
But  you  no  sooner  have  bound  your  perfidious  head  with  vows, 
but  you  shine  out  more  charming  by  far,  and  come  forth  tho 
public  care  of  our  youth.  It  is  of  advantage  to  you  to  deceive 
the  buried  ashes  of  your  mother,  and  the  silent  constellations 
of  the  night,  together  with  all  heaven,  and  the  gods  free  from 
chill  death.  Venus  herself,  I profess,  laughs  at  this ; the 
good-natured  nymphs  laugh,  and  cruel  Cupid,  who  is  per- 
petually sharpening  his  burning  darts  on  a bloody  whetstone. 
Add  to  this,  that  all  our  boys  are  growing  up  for  you  ; a new 
herd  of  slaves  is  growing  up  ; nor  do  the  former  ones  quit  the 
house  of  their  impious  mistress,  notwithstanding  they  often 
have  threatened  it.  The  matrons  are  in  dread  of  you  on  ac- 
count of  their  young  ones  ; the  thrifty  old  men  are  in  dread  of 
you ; and  the  girls  but  just  married  are  in  distress,  lest  your 
beauty  should  slacken  [the  affections  of]  their  husbands. 


ODE  IX. 

TO  TITUS  VALGIUS. 

Showers  do  not  perpetually  pour  down  upon  the  rough  fields, 
nor  do  varying  hurricanes  forever  harass  the  Caspian  Sea*, 
nor,  my  friend  Yalgius,  does  the  motionless  ice  remain  fixed 
throughout  all  the  months,  in  the  regions  of  Armenia  ; nor  do 
the  Garganian  oaks  [always]  labor  under  the  northerly  winds, 
nor  are  the  ash-trees  widowed  of  their  leaves.  But  thou  art  con- 
tinually pursuing  Mystes,  who  is  taken  from  thee,  with  moi^a- 


48 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IE 


ful  measures : nor  do  the  effects  of  thy  love  for  him  cease  at 
the  rising  of  Vesper,41  or  when  he  flies  the  rapid  approach  of 
the  sun.  But  the  aged  man  who  lived  three  generations,  did 
not  lament  the  amiable  Antilochus  all  the  years  of  his  life : 
nor  did  his  parents  or  his  Trojan  sisters  perpetually  bewail 
the  blooming  Troilus.  At  length  then  desist  from  thy  tender 
complaints ; and  rather  let  us  sing  the  fresh42  trophies  of 
Augustus  Caesar,  and  the  Frozen  Niphates,  and  the  river 
Medus,43  added  to  the  vanquished  nations,  rolls  more  humble 
tides,  and  the  Gelonians  riding  within  a prescribed  boundary 
in  a narrow  tract  of  land. 


ODE  X. 

TO  LICINIUS  MURENA. 

O Licinius,44  you  will  lead  a more  correct  course  of  life,  by 
neither  always  pursuing  the  main  ocean,  nor,  while  you  cau- 
tiously are  in  dread  of  storms,  by  pressing  too  much  upon  the 
hazardous  shore.  Whosoever  loves  the  golden  mean,  is  secure 
from  the  sordidness  of  an  antiquated  cell,  and  is  too  prudent  to 

41  Vespero.  This  star  was  called  Lucifer  in  the  morning,  and  Vesper 
in  the  evening.  Fran. 

42  This  expedition  of  Augustus  was  the  most  glorious  of  his  whole  life. 
He  not  only  made  the  Roman  name  to  be  revered  to  the  utmost  bounds 
of  Asia  and  Africa,  in  imposing  conditions  of  peace  upon  the  Indians  and 
Ethiopians : he  not  only  confirmed  the  repose  of  the  empire,  by  establish- 
ing in  Greece,  Sicily,  and  Asia  Minor  a stable  and  uniform  government, 
and  ordering  Armenia,  Cilicia,  and  Arabia  in  favor  of  princes  attached  to 
the  interest  of  the  republic ; but  humbled  the  pride  of  the  Parthians,  by 
obliging  Phraates  to  restore  the  Roman  eagles  and  prisoners,  which  were 
taken  thirty  years  before,  and  to  pull  down  the  trophies  that  Orodes  had 
erected  for  the  defeat  of  Crassus.  To  perpetuate  the  memory  of  this 
success,  he  struck  a medal  with  this  inscription,  pro  signis  receptis. 
San. 

43  By  the  river  Medus,  Horace  means  the  Parthians,  as  he  would  dis- 
tinguish the  Armenians  by  Niphates.  Euphrates  dictus  est  primum  Medus. 
And  probably  the  Tigris  is  here  called  Niphates,  as  it  rises  out  of  a 
mountain  of  that  name.  San. 

44  This  Licinius,  according  to  Dacier,  is  the  same  with  Licinius  Varro 
Murena,  the  brother  of  Proculeius,  and  Terentia,  the  wife  of  Maecenas. 
He  entered  into  a conspiracy  against  Augustus,  with  Flavius  Cepio,  in  the 
year  of  the  city  *731. 


ODE  XI. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


40 


have  a palace  that  might  expose  him  to  envy.  The  lofty  pine 
is  more  frequently  agitated  with  winds,  and  high  towers  fall 
down  with  a heavier  ruin,  and  lightnings  strike  the  summits 
of  the  mountains.  A well-provided  breast  hopes  in  adversity, 
and  fears  in  prosperity.  ’Tis  the  same  Jupiter,  that  brings 
the  hideous  winters  back,  and  that  takes  them  away.  If  it  is 
ill  with  us  now,  it  will  not  be  so  hereafter.  Apollo  sometimes 
rouses  the  silent  lyric  muse,  neither  does  he  always  bend  his 
bow.  In  narrow  circumstances  appear  in  high  spirits,  and 
undaunted.  In  the  same  manner  you  will  prudently  contract 
your  sails,  which  are  apt  to  be  too  much  swollen  in  a prosper 
ous  gale. 


ODE  XI. 

TO  QUINTIUS  HIRPINUS. 

0 Quintius  Hirpinus,  forbear  to  be  inquisitive  what  the 
Cantabrian,  and  the  Scythian,  divided  from  us  by  the  inter- 
posed Adriatic,  is  meditating;  neither  be  fearfully  solicitous 
for  the  necessaries  of  a life,  which  requires  but  a few  things. 
Youth  and  beauty  fly  swift  away,  while  sapless  old  age  expels 
the  wanton  loves  and  gentle  sleep.  The  same  glory  does  not 
always  remain  to  the  vernal  flowers,  nor  does  the  ruddy  moon 
shine  with  one  continued  aspect ; why,  therefore,  do  you  fatigue 
your  mind,  unequal  to  eternal  projects  ? Why  do  we  not  rather 
(while  it  is  in  our  power)  thus  carelessly  reclining  under  a lofty 
plane-tree,  or  this  pine,  with  our  hoary  locks  made  fragrant  by 
roses,  and  anointed  with  Syrian  perfume,  indulge  ourselves  with 
generous  wine  ? Bacchus  dissipates  preying  cares.  What  slave 
is  here,  instantly  to  cool  some  cups  of  ardent  Falernian  in  the 
passing  stream  ? Who  will  tempt  the  vagrant  wanton  Lyde 
from  her  house  ? See  that  you  bid  her  hasten  with  her  ivory 
lyre,  collecting  her  hair  into  a graceful  knot,  after  the  fashion 
of  a Spartan  maid.46 

45  There  is  much  doubt  about  the  reading  and  interpretation  of  this 
passage.  See  Orelli. 


3 


50 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


ODE  XII. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

Do  not  insist  that  the  long  wars  of  fierce  Numantia,46  or  the 
formidable  Annibal,  or  the  Sicilian  Sea  impurpled  with  Car- 
thaginian blood,  should  be  adapted  to  the  tender  lays  of  the 
lyre  : nor  the  cruel  Lapithse,  nor  Hylseus  excessive  in  wine, 
and  the  earth-born  youths,  subdued  by  Herculean  force,  from 
whom  the  splendid  habitation  of  old  Saturn  dreaded  danger. 
And  you  yourself,  Maecenas,  with  more  propriety  shall  re- 
count the  battles  of  Caesar,  and  the  necks  of  haughty  kings 
led  in  triumph  through  the  streets  in  historical  prose.  It  was 
the  muse’s  will  that  I should  celebrate  the  sweet  strains  of 
my  mistress  Lycimnia,47  that  I should  celebrate  her  bright- 
darting  eyes,  and  her  breast  laudably  faithful  to  mutual  love  : 
who  can  with  a grace  introduce  her  foot  into  the  dance,  or, 
sporting,  contend48  in  raillery,  or  join  arms  with  the  bright 
virgins  on  the  celebrated  Diana’s  festival.  Would  you,  [Mae- 
cenas,] change  one  of  Lycimnia’s  tresses  for  all  the  rich 
Achaemenes  possessed,  or  the  Mygdonian  wealth  of  fertile 
Phrygia,  or  all  the  dwellings  of  the  Arabians  replete  -with 

45  Mumantia,  a city  in  Spain,  now  called  Garray : with  a garrison  ot 
4000  men,  it  held  out  fourteen  years  against  a Roman  army  of  40,000 
men ; at  last,  being  sore  pressed  by  Scipio,  and  like  to  perish  by  famine, 
they  gathered  all  their  goods  together,  and  setting  them  on  fire,  they 
threw  themselves  afterward  into  the  flames.  Watson. 

47  Terentia,  the  passionately-loved  wife  of  the  jealous  Maecenas,  is, 
doubtless,  intended.  When  the  poets  wished  to  avoid  the  direct  nomi- 
nation of  an  individual,  they  generally  coined  some  word  corresponding 
in  meter  and  number  of  syllables  with  the  proper  name  of  the  person, 
as  here  Lycimnia  = Terentia.  Thus  also  Persius,  “ Auriculas  asini  Midas 
rex  habet,”  where  Midas  is  — Nero,  as  Plania  is  — Delia , in  Tibullus, 
etc. ; Malthinus  in  Serm.  i.  8,  is  for  Maecenas , etc.  A freed-woman  could 
not  be  intended,  from  the  expression  “ nec  ferre  pedem  dedecuit  choris,” 
for  none  but  females  of  the  highest  rank  took  part  in  these  sacred  dances. 
Wheeler.  “ Neque  enim  periculum  erat,  ne  inter  virgines  lectas  saltaro 
cuivis  foeminse  dedecori  esset,  excepta  forte  Livia  Augusti  vel  Terentia 
Maecenatis,  vel  Octavia  aliave  ex  nobilissimis  quarum  infra  dignitatem 
id  esse  severioribus  videri  potest.”  Orelli. 

48  By  the  word  certare , the  poet  alludes  to  a custom  among  the  Greeks 
and  Romans  of  disputing  the  prize  of  raillery  on  their  festival  days.  It 
appears  by  a passage  in  Aristophanes,  that  the  victors  in  these  disputes 
were  publicly  crowned  by  the  Greeks.  Dac. 


ODE  XIII. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


61 


treasures  ? Especially  when  she  turns  her  neck  to  meet  your 
burning  kisses,  or  with  a gentle  cruelty  denies,  what  she  would 
more  delight  to  have  ravished  than  the  petitioner — or  some- 
times eagerly  anticipates  to  snatch  them  herself. 


ODE  XEI. 

TO  A TREE. 

O tree49  lie  planted  thee  on  an  unlucky  day  whoever  did 
it  first,  and  with  an  impious  hand  raised  thee  for  the  destruc- 
tion of  posterity,  and  the  scandal  of  the  village.  I could  be- 
lieve that  he  had  broken  his  own  father’s  neck,  and  stained 
his  most  secret  apartments  with  the  midnight  blood60  of  his 
guest.  He  was  wont  to  handle  Colchian  poisons,  and  what- 
ever wickedness  is  any  where  conceived,  who  planted  in  my 
field  thee,  a sorry  log  ; thee,  ready  to  fall  on  the  head  of  thy 
inoffensive  master.  What  we  ought  to  be  aware  of,  no  man 
is  sufficiently  cautious  at  all  hours.  The  Carthaginian  sailor 
thoroughly  dreads  the  Bosphorus ; nor,  beyond  that,  does  he 
fear  a hidden  fate  from  any  other  quarter.  The  soldier  dreads 
the  arrows  and  the  fleet  retreat  of  the  Parthian  ; the  Parthian, 
chains  and  an  Italian  prison  ;51  but  the  unexpected  assault  of 
death  has  carried  off,  and  will  carry  off,  the  world  in  general. 
How  near  was  I seeing  the  dominions  of  black  Proserpine,62 
and  ^Eacus53  sitting  in  judgment ; the  separate  abodes  also  of 
the  pious,  and  Sappho  complaining  on  her  ^Eolian  lyre  of  her 

49  The  construction  is,  a ille  et  nefasto  te  pos.  die,  Quicunque  primum 
posuit,  et  (postea)  produxit  sacr.  manu.”  Orelli. 

50  i.  e.  the  blood  of  his  guest,  slain  at  midnight. 

51  The  term  robur  appears  to  allude  particularly  to  the  well-known 
prison  at  Rome,  called  Tullianum.  It  was  originally  built  by  Ancus 
Martius,  and  afterward  enlarged  by  Servius  Tullius,  whence  that  part 
of  it  which  was  under  ground,  and  built  by  him,  received  the  name  of 
Tullianum.  Ed.  Dubl. 

52  Proserpine,  the  daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Ceres,  whom  Pluto  stole 
and  carried  away  with  him  out  of  Sicily.  Horace  here  uses  “ Regna 
furvae  Proserpinae,”  the  realms  of  black  Proserpine,  instead  of  “ furva 
Regna  Proserpinae,”  the  black  realms  of  Poserpine.  Watson. 

53  ^Eacus  was  the  son  of  Jupiter  and  ^Egina,  and  father  of  Peleus  and 
Telamon.  His  reputation  for  justice  was  so  great,  that  after  his  death 
he  was  established  one  of  the  infernal  judges  along  with  Minos  and 
Rhadamanthus.  Watson. 


52 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


own  country-damsels ; aud  thee,  O Alcaeus,  sounding  in  fuller 
strains  on  thy  golden  harp  the  distresses  of  exile,  and  the  dis- 
tresses of  war.  The  ghosts  admire  them  both,  while  they  utter 
strains  worthy  of  a sacred  silence  ;64  but  the  crowded  multitude, 
pressing  with  their  shoulders,  imbibes,  with  a more  greedy  ear, 
battles  and  banished  tyrants.  What  wonder  ? Since  the 
many-headed  monster,  astonished  at  those  lays,  hangs  down  his 
sable  ears ; and  the  snakes,  entwined  in  the  hair  of  the  furies, 
are  soothed.  Moreover,*  Prometheus  and  the  sire  of  Pelops  are 
deluded  into  an  insensibility  of  their  torments,  by  the  melodious 
sound : nor  is  Orion  any  longer  solicitous  to  harass  the  lionsr 
or  the  fearful  lynxes. 


ODE  XIV. 

TO  POSTUMUS. 

Alas  ! my  Postumus,  my  Postumus,  the  fleeting  years  glide 
on ; nor  will  piety  cause  any  delay  to  wrinkles,  and  ad- 
vancing old  age,  and  insuperable  death.  You  could  not,  if 
you  were  to  sacrifice  every  passing  day  three  hundred  bulls, 
render  propitious  pitiless  Pluto,  who  confines  the  thrice- 
monstrous  Geryon  and  Tityus65  with  the  dismal  Stygian 
stream,  namely,  that  stream  which  is  to  be  passed  over  by  all 
who  are  fed  by  the  bounty  of  the  earth,  whether  we  be  kings 
or  poor  hinds.  In  vain  shall  we  be  free  from  sanguinary 
Mars,  and  the  broken  billows  of  the  hoarse  Adriatic ; in  vain 
shall  we  be  apprehensive  for  ourselves66  of  the  noxious  South, 

54  Sacro  silentio.  At  the  ancient  sacred  rites  the  most  profound  silence 
was  required  from  all  who  stood  around,  both  out  of  respect  to  the  deity 
whom  they  were  worshiping,  as  also  lest  some  ill-omened  expression, 
casually  uttered  by  any  one  of  the  crowd,  should  mar  the  solemnities  ol 
the  day.  Hence  the  phrase  “ sacred  silence,”  became  eventually  equiva- 
lent to,  and  is  here  used  generally  as,  “ the  deepest  silence.”  Thus 
Anthon  : — a preferable  explanation  is,  11  suited  to  that  hallowed  region 
of  silence.”  “Sacris  sedibus,  quas  umbrae  silentes  incolunt,  Elysio.” 
Orell.  Comp.  JEn.  vi.  264,  “ Umbraeque  silentes;”  443,  “silentum 
concilium.”  Wheeler. 

55  Tityus,  the  son  of  Jupiter  by  Elora,  of  such  a gigantic  size,  that 
his  bnjy  was,  according  to  the  poets,  nine  acres  in  length.  Watson. 

56  *-  The  construction  metuemus  corporibus  is  more  correct  thun  ween. 
Urn  corporibus,  unless  we  regard  it  as  twofold.  Orelli. 


ODE  XV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


5 3 


in  the  time  of  autumn.  Tlio  black  Cocytus  wandering  with 
languid  current,  and  the  infamous  race  of  Danaus,6T  and  Sisy- 
phus,68 the  son  of  the  ^Eolus,  doomed  to  eternal  toil,  must  be 
visited ; your  land  and  house  and  pleasing  wife  must  be  left, 
nor  shall  any  of  those  trees,  which  you  are  nursing,  follow 
you,  their  master  for  a brief  space,  except  the  hated  cypresses  ; 
a worthier  heir  shall  consume  your  Caecuban  wines  now 
guarded  with  a hundred  keys,  and  shall  wet  the  pavement  with 
the  haughty  wine,  more  exquisite  than  what  graces  pontifical 
entertainments. 


ODE  XV. 


AGAINST  THE  LUXURY  OF  THE  ROMANS. 

The  palace-like  edifices  will  in  a short  time  leave  but  a few 
acres  for  the  plow ; ponds  of  wider  extent  than  the  Lucrine 
lake  will  be  every  where  to  be  seen ; and  the  barren  plane-tree 
will  supplant  the  elms.  Then  banks  of  violets,  and  myrtle 
groves,  and  all  the  tribe  of  nosegays69  shall  diffuse  their  odors 
in  the  olive  plantations,  which  were  fruitful  to  their  preceding 
master.  Then  the  laurel  with  dense  boughs  shall  exclude  the 
burning  beams.  It  was  not  so  prescribed  by  the  institutes  of 
Romulus,  and  the  unshaven  Cato,  and  ancient  custom.  Their 
private  income  was  contracted,  while  that  of  the  community 
was  great.  No  private  men  were  then  possessed  of  galleries 
measured  by  ten-feet  rules,  which  collected  the  shady  northern 
breezes;  nor  did  the  laws  permit  them  to  reject  the  casual 
turf  [for  their  own  huts],  though  at  the  same  time  they 
obliged  them  to  ornament  in  the  most  sumptuous  manner,  with 
new  stone,  the  buildings  of  the  public,  and  the  temples  of  the 
gods,  at  a common  expense. 

57  Danaus.  He  had  fifty  daughters,  called  the  Dana'ides,  who,  by  their 
father’s  command,  killed  in  one  night  all  their  husbands.  Watson. 

58  Sisyphus,  the  most  cunning  of  all  mortals,  who,  for  his  robberies 
and  impious  arts,  was  condemned  to  roll  a stone  up-hill,  which  immedi- 
ately rolled  down  again;  therefore  Yirgil  calls  it  “non  exuperabile 
saxum,”  or  the  insurmountable  stone.  Georg.  Lib.  v.  39.  Watson. 

59  Luxus  odorum.”  Schol. 


64 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


ODE  XVI. 

TO  GROSPHUS. 

O Grosphus,  he  that  is  caught  in  the  wide  AEgean  Sea,  when 
a black  tempest  has  obscured  the  moon,  and  not  a star  appears 
with  steady  light  for  the  mariners,  supplicates  the  gods  for 
repose : for  repose,  Thrace  furious  in  war ; the  quiver-graced 
Medes,  for  repose  neither  purchasable  by  jewels,  nor  by  pur- 
ple, nor  by  gold.  For  neither  regal  treasures  nor  the  con- 
suls officer  can  remove60  the  wretched  tumults  of  the  mind, 
nor  the  cares  that  hover  about  splendid  ceilings.  That  man 
lives  happily  on  a little,  who  can  view  with  pleasure  the  old- 
fashioned  family  salt-cellar  on  his  frugal  board  ; neither  anx- 
iety nor  sordid  avarice  robs  him  of  gentle  sleep.  Why  do 
we,  brave  for  a short  season,  aim  at  many  things  ? Why  do 
we  change  our  own  for  climates  heated  by  another  sun  ? Who- 
ever, by  becoming  an  exile  from  his  country,  escaped  likewise 
from  himself?  Consuming  care  boards  even  brazen-beaked 
ships ; nor  does  it  quit  the  troops  of  horsemen,  for  it  is  more 
fleet  than  the  stags,  more  fleet  than  the  storm-driving  east 
wind.  A mind  that  is  cheerful  in  its  present  state,  will  disdain 
to  be  solicitous  any  further,  and  can  correct  the  bitters  Of  life 
with  a placid  smile.  Nothing  is  on  all  hands  completely 
blessed.  A premature  death  carried  off  the  celebrated  Achilles ; 
a protracted  old  age  wore  down  Tithonus ; and  time  perhaps 
may  extend  to  me,  what  it  shall  deny  to  you.  Around  you 
a hundred  flocks  bleat,  and  Sicilian  heifers  low  ; for  your  use 
the  mare,  fit  for  the  harness,61  neighs ; wool  doubly  dipped  in 
the  African  purple-dye  clothes  you  : on  me  undeceitful  fate  has 
bestowed  a small  country  estate,  and  the  slight  inspiration  of 
the  Grecian  muse,  and  a contempt  for  the  malignity  of  the 
vulgar. 

60  One  part  of  the  lictor’s  office  was,  to  remove  the  crowd,  and  open  a 
way  for  the  magistrates  ; from  whence  the  poet  hath  taken  this  beautiful 
image.  Dac. 

61  Apia  quadrigis,  “ Born  for  the  chariot.”  The  poet  merely  wishes  to 
express  the  generous  properties  of  the  animal.  The  ancients  gave  the 
preference  in  respect  of  swiftness  to  mares.  The  term  quadriga  properly 
denotes  a chariot  drawn  by  four  horses,  or  mares.  The  Romans  always 
yoked  the  animals  that  drew  their  race-chariots  abreast. 


ODE  XVII. 


ODES  OP  HORACE. 


53 


ODE  XVII. 

* 

TO  MAECENAS. 

Why  dost  thou  kill  me  with  thy  complaints  ? ’Tis  neither 
agreeable  to  the  gods,  nor  to  me,  that  thou  shouldest  depart 
first,  O Maecenas,  thou  grand  ornament  and  pillar  of  my  affairs. 
Alas ! if  an  untimely  blow  hurry  away  thee,  a part  of  my  soul, 
why  do  I the  other  moiety  remain,  my  value  lost,  nor  any  longer 
whole  ? That  [fatal]  day  shall  bring  destruction  upon  us  both. 
I have  by  no  means  taken  a false  oath  :63  we  will  go,  we  will 
go,  whenever  thou  shalt  lead  the  way,  prepared  to  be  fellow- 
travelers  in  the  last  journey.  Me  nor  the  breath  of  the 
fiery  Chimsera,  nor  hundred-handed  Gyges,  were  he  to  rise 
again,  shall  ever  tear  from  thee  : such  is  the  will  of  powerful 
Justice,  and  of  the  Fates.  Whether  Libra  or  malignant 
Scorpio  had  the  ascendant  at  my  natal  hour,64  or  Capricon 
the  ruler  of  the  western  wave,  our  horoscopes  agree  in  a won- 

62  The  constitution  of  Maecenas,  naturally  weak,  had  been  impaired  by 
effeminacy  and  luxurious  living.  “ He  had  labored,”  observes  Mr.  Dun- 
lop, “from  his  youth  under  a perpetual  fever;  and  for  many  years  be- 
fore his  death  he  suffered  much  from  watchfulness,  which  was  greatly 
aggravated  by  his  domestic  chagrins.  Maecenas  was  fond  of  life  and  en- 
jpyment ; and  of  life  even  without  enjoyment.  He  confessed,  in  some 
verses  preserved  by  Seneca,  that  he  would  wish  to  live  even  under  every 
accumulation  of  physical  calamity.  (Seneca  Epist.  101.)  Hence  he  anx- 
iously resorted  to  different  remedies  for  the  cure  or  relief  of  this  distress- 
ing malady.  Wine,  soft  music  sounding  at  a distance,  and  various  other 
contrivances,  were  contrived  in  vain.  At  length  Antonius  Musa,  the 
imperial  physician,  obtained  for  him  some  alleviation  of  his  complaint 
by  means  of  the  distant  murmuring  of  falling  water.  But  all  these  re- 
sources at  last  failed.  The  nervous  and  feverish  disorder  with  which  he 
was  afflicted  increased  so  dreadfully,  that  for  three  years  before  his  death 
he  never  closed  his  eyes.”  (History  of  Roman  Literature,  vol.  iii.  p.  42, 
Lond.  ed.)  Anthon. 

63  Perfidum  Sacramentum.  Horace  alludes  here  to  an  oath  of  fidelity 
taken  by  soldiers  when  they  have  enlisted,  and  although  there  be  not  a 
formal  oath  expressed,  yet  it  is  included  in 

111©  dies  utramque 

Ducet  ruinam.  Cruq.  Dac. 

64  Pars  violentior  natalis  horce.  Pars  here  signifies  what  the  Greeks 
call  [inlpa , that  part  of  the  sign  which  appears  above  the  horizon  at  the 
moment  of  birth ; for  every  sign  is  divided  into  several  parts,  which 
make  as  many  horoscopes,  called  by  the  poet  Natalis  Horce.  Dac. 


56 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


book  ir. 


derful  manner.  Thee  the  benign  protection  of  Jupiter,  shin- 
ing with  friendly  aspect,  rescued  from  the  baleful  influence 
of  impious  Saturn,  and  retarded  the  wings  of  precipitate  des- 
tiny, at  the  time  the  crowded  people  with  resounding  ap- 
plauses thrice  hailed  you  in  the  theater:  me  the  trunk  of  a 
tree,  falling  upon  my  skull,  would  have  dispatched,  had  not 
Faunus,  the  protector  of  men  of  genius,  with  his  right  hand 
warded  off*  the  blow.  Be  thou  mindful  to  pay  the  victims  and 
the  votive  temple  ; I will  sacrifice  an  humble  lamb. 


ODE  XVIII. 

AGAINST  AVARICE  AND  LUXURY. 

Nor  ivory,  nor  a fretted  ceiling  adorned  with  gold,  glitters 
in  my  house : no  Hymettian  beams05  rest  upon  pillars  cut 
out  of  the  extreme  parts  of  Africa ; nor,  a pretended  heir, 
have  I possessed  myself  of  the  palace  of  Attalus,66  nor  do 
ladies,  my  dependants,  spin  Laconian  purple  for  my  use.  But 
integrity,  and  a liberal  vein  of  genius,  are  mine : and  the  man 
of  fortune  makes  his  court  to  me,  who  am  but  poor.  I im- 
portune the  gods  no  further,  nor  do  I require  of  my  friend  in 
power  any  larger  enjoyments,  sufficiently  happy  with  my  Sa- 
bine farm  alone.  Day  is  driven  on  by  day,  and  the  new  moons 
hasten  to  their  wane.  You  put  out  marble  to  be  hewn,  though 
with  one  foot  in  the  grave  ; and,  unmindful  of  a sepulcher, 
are  building  houses  ; and  are  busy  to  extend  the  shore  of  the 
sea,  that  beats  with  violence  at  Baiae,67  not  rich  enough  with 

65  Architraves,  formed  of  the  white  marble  of  Hymettus,  a mountain 
near  Athens.  Orelli. 

66  The  old  commentators  and  Cruquius  imagine,  that  there  is  a stroke 
of  satire  here,  by  which  the  poet  would  insinuate,  that  the  Roman  peo- 
ple had  fraudulently  obtained  them  the  will  by  which  Attalus  made 
them  his  heirs.  But  this  unknown  heir  was  undoubtedly  Aristonicus, 
who,  after  the  death  of  Attalus,  seized  upon  the  throne,  defeated  Licin- 
ius  Crassus,  and  being  conquered  by  Perpenna,  was  carried  to  Rome, 
and  strangled  in  prison  by  order  of  the  senate.  Torr. 

67  Baiae,  a city  of  Campania,  near  the  sea,  situated  between  Puteoli 
and  Picenum.  People  were  fond  of  building  here,  because  of  the  beauty 
of  the  place.  Here  are  many  hot  waters,  pleasant  and  wholesome. 
Watson. 


ODE  * IX . 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


57 


the  shore  of  the  mainland.  Why  is  it,  that  through  avarice  you 
even  pluck  up  the  landmarks  of  your  neighbor’s  ground,  and 
trespass  beyond  the  bounds  of  your  clients ; and  wife  and 
husband  are  turned  out,  bearing  in  their  bosom  their  house- 
hold gods  and  their  destitute  children  ? Nevertheless,  no  court 
more  certainly  awaits  its  wealthy  lord,  than  the  destined  limit 
of  rapacious  Pluto.  Why  do  you  go  on  ? The  impartial  earth 
is  opened  equally  to  the  poor  and  to  the  sons  of  kings ; nor 
has  the  life-guard  ferryman  of  hell,  bribed  with  gold,  re-con- 
ducted  the  artful  Prometheus.  He  confines  proud  Tantalus, 
and  the  race  of  Tantalus  ; he  condescends,  whether  invoked  or 
not,  to  relieve  the  poor  freed  from  their  labors. 


ODE  XIX. 

ON  BACCHUS. 

A DITHYRAMBIO,  OR  DRINKING  SONG. 

I saw  Bacchus  (believe  it,  posterity)  dictating  strains  among 
the  remote  rocks,  and  the  nymphs  learning  them,  and  the  ears 
of  the  goat-footed  satyrs  all  attentive.  Evce  ! my  mind  trem- 
bles with  recent  dread,  and  my  soul,  replete  with  Bacchus,68 
has  a tumultuous  joy,  Evce  ! 69  spare  me,  Bacchus ; spare  me, 
thou  who  art  formidable  for  thy  dreadful  thyrsus.  It  is 
granted  me  to  sing  the  wanton  Bacchanalian  priestess,  and 
the  fountain  of  wine,  and  rivulets  flowing  with  milk,  and  to 
tell  again  of  the  honeys  distilling  from  the  hollow  trunks.  It 
is  granted  me  likewise  to  celebrate  the  honor  added  to  the 
constellations  by  your  happy  spouse,70  and  the  palace  of  Pen- 

63  Bacchus,  the  son  of  Jupiter  by  Semele.  He  was  taken  out  of  his 
mother,  and  sewed  into  Jupiter’s  thigh  till  ripe  for  birth.  He  was  the 
god  of  wine.  Watson. 

69  Evce  was  a word  used  by  the  priests  of  Bacchus  when  they  celebrat- 
ed his  mysteries,  being  taken  from  his  name  Evius,  which  was  given  by 
Jupiter  in  that  war  which  the  giants  waged  against  heaven.  Watson. 

70  Ariadne,  daughter  to  Minos,  king  of  Crete,  who,  for  the  love  she 
had  to  Theseus,  gave  him  a clew  to  guide  him  through  the  mazes  of  the 
Labyrinth.  She  accompanied  him  as  far  as  the  island  Naxos,  or  Dionysia, 
where  Theseus  most  ungratefully  left  her ; but  Bacchus,  pitying  her,  took 

3* 


58 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


book  ir. 


theus71  demolished  with  no  light  ruin,  and  the  perdition  of 
Thracian  Lycurgus.72  You  command  the  rivers,  you  the  bar- 
barian sea.  You,  moist  with  wine,  on  lonely  mountain-tops 
bind  the  hair  of  your  Thracian  priestesses  with  a knot  of 
vipers  without  hurt.  You,  when  the  impious  band  of  giants 
scaled  the  realms  of  father  Jupiter  through  the  sky,  repelled 
Rhoetus,  with  the  paws  and  horrible  jaw  of  the  lion-shape 
[you  had  assumed].  Thou,  reported  to  be  better  fitted  for 
dances  and  jokes  and  play,  you  were  accounted  insufficient 
for  fight ; yet  it  then  appeared,  you,  the  same  deity,  was  the 
mediator  of  peace  and  war.  Upon  you,  ornamented  with 
vour  golden  horn,  Cerberus  innocently  gazed,  gently  wagging 
his  tail ; and  with  his  triple  tongue  licked  your  feet  and  legs, 
as  you  returned. 


ODE  XX. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

I,  A two-formed  poet,  will  be  conveyed  through  the  liquid  air 
with  no  vulgar  or  humble  wing ; nor  will  I loiter  upon 
earth  any  longer ; and  superior  to  envy,  I will  quit  cities. 
Not  I,  even  I,  the  blood  of  low  parents,  my  dear  Maecenas, 
shall  die ; nor  shall  I be  restrained  by  the  Stygian  wave.  At 
this  instant  a rough  skin  settles  upon  my  ankles,  and  all  up- 
wards I am  transformed  into  a white  bird,  and  the  downy 
plumage  arises  over  my  fingers  and  shoulders.  Now,  a me- 
lodious bird,  more  expeditious  than  the  Daedalean  Icarus,  I 
will  visit  the  shores  of  the  murmuring  Bosphorus,  and  the 
Gaetulean  Syrtes,  and  the  Hyperborean  plains.  Me  the  Col- 

her  into  heaven,  made  her  his  wife,  and  presented  her  with  a diadem, 
sparkling  with  seven  stars,  called  Gnosia  Corona.  Watson. 

Pentheus,  a king  of  Thebes,  who,  for  slighting  the  rights  of  Bac- 
chus, was  torn  in  pieces  by  his  own  mother,  sisters,  and  aunt.  Watson. 

72  Lycurgus,  a king  of  Thrace,  who,  finding  his  people  too  much  ad- 
dicted to  wine,  ordered  all  the  vines  of  the  country  to  be  rooted  up. 
Justin,  book  iii.  Therefore  Bacchus  made  him  mad  ; so  that  lie  cut  off 
his  own  legs.  There  was  another  of  the  same  name,  the  famous  Spartan 
law-giver.  Watson. 


ODE  XX. 


ODES  OE  HORACE. 


59 


cliian  and  the  Dacian,  who  hides  his  fear  of  the  Marsian  co- 
hort, and  the  remotest  Gelonians,73  shall  know : me  the  learned 
Spaniard74  shall  study,  and  he  that  drinks  of  the  Rhone.  Let 
there  be  no  dirges,76  nor  unmanly  lamentations,  nor  be  wailings 
at  my  imaginary  funeral ; suppress  your  crying,  and  forbear 
the  superfluous  honors  of  a sepulcher. 

73  Geloni,  a people  of  Scythia,  otherwise  called  Getse.  They  U9ed  to 
paint  themselves,  to  become  more  terrible  to  their  enemies ; whence  Vir- 
gil calls,  them  “ pictos  Gelonos.”  Geor.  ii.  115.  They  are  thought  to  be 
now  the  Lithuanians.  Watson. 

74  In  the  time  of  Augustus  learning  and  the  sciences  flourished  in 
Spain,  whither  they  were  carried  from  Asia,  and  where  the  Roman  colo- 
nies contributed  greatly  to  their  encouragement.  Dac. 

75  An  imitation  of  Ennius’  epitaph,  p.  161,  ed.  Hessel : 

“ Nemo  me  lacrameis  decoret,  nec  funera  fletu 
Pac  sit,  quur  ? volito,  vivo,  per  ora  virum.” 


THE  THIKD  BOOK 

OP  THE 

ODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  I 

ON  CONTENTMENT. 

X abominate  the  uninitiated  vulgar,  and  keep  them  at  a dis- 
tance. Preserve  a religious  silence  : I,  the  priest  of  the  Muses, 
sing  to  virgins  and  boys  verses  not  heard  before.  The  domi- 
nion of  dread  sovereigns  is  over  their  own  subjects ; that  of 
Jupiter,  glorious  for  his  conquest  over  the  giants,  who  shakes 
all  nature  with  his  nod,  is  over  sovereigns  themselves.  It 
happens  that  one  man  arranges  trees,  in  regular  rows,  to  a 
greater  extent  than  another ; this  man  comes  down  into  the 
Campus  [Martius]1  as  a candidate  of  a better  family;  another 
vies  with  him  for  morals  and  a better  reputation  ; a third  has 
a superior  number  of  dependants ; but  Fate,  by  the  impartial 
law  of  nature,  is  allotted  both  to  the  conspicuous  and  the  ob- 
scure ; the  capacious  urn  keeps  every  name  in  motion.  Sici- 
lian dainties  will  not  force  a delicious  relish  to  that  man, 
over  whose  impious  neck  the  naked  sword  hangs : the  songs 
of  birds  and  the  lyre  will  not  restore  his  sleep.  Sleep  disdains 
not  the  humble  cottages  and  shady  bank  of  peasants ; he  dis- 
dains not  Tempe,  fanned  by  zephyrs.  Him,  who  desires  but 
a competency,  neither  the  tempestuous  sea  renders  anxious, 
nor  the  malign  violence  of  Arcturus  setting,2  or  of  the  rising 

1 The  Field  of  Mars,  where  the  popular  assemblies  were  held  for  elec- 
tions, was  in  the  lowest  ground  of  Rome,  from  whence  the  poet  uses  the 
word  descendat.  San. 

2 Setting  Arcturus,  a constellation  of  fourteen  stars,  which  follow  the 
Ursus  Major,  whence  it  has  its  name.  It  is  thought,  both  at  rising  and 
setting,  to  cause  tempests.  The  ancients  have  observed  its  rising  to  be 
in  the  middle  of  September,  and  its  setting  in  the  beginning  of  October. 
Watson. 


ODE  n. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


61 


Kid  ; not  liis  vineyards  beaten  down  with  hail,  and  a deceitful 
farm ; his  plantations  at  one  season  blaming  the  rains,  at 
another,  the  influence  of  the  constellations  parching  the 
grounds,  at  another,  the  severe  winters.  The  fishes  perceive 
the  seas  contracted,  by  the  vast  foundations  that  have  been 
laid  in  the  deep  : hither  numerous  undertakers  with  their  men, 
and  lords,  disdainful  of  the  land,  send  down  mortar : but 
anxiety  and  the  threats  of  conscience3  ascend  by  the  same  way 
as  the  possessor  ; nor  does  gloomy  care  depart  from  the  brazen- 
beaked  galley,  and  she  mounts  behind  the  horseman.  Since 
then  nor  Phrygian  marble,  nor  the  use  of  purple  more 
dazzling  than  the  sun,  nor  the  Falernian  vine,  nor  the  Persian 
nard,  composes  a troubled  mind,  why  should  I set  about  a 
lofty  edifice4  with  columns  that  excite  envy,  and  in  the 
modern  taste  ? Why  should  I exchange  my  Sabine  vale  for 
wealth,  which  is  attended  with  more  trouble  ? 


ODE  II. 

AGAINST  THE  DEGENERACY  OF  THE  ROMAN  YOUTH. 

Let  the  robust  youth  learn  patiently5  to  endure  pinching 
want  in  the  active  exercise  of  arms ; and  as  an  expert  horse- 
man, dreadful  for  his  spear,  let  him  harass  the  fierce  Partis- 
ans; and  let  him  lead  a life  exposed  to  the  open  air,  and 
familiar  with  dangers.  Him,  the  consort  and  marriageable 
virgin-daughter  of  some  warring  tyrant,  viewing  from  the 
hostile  walls,  may  sigh — Alas  ! let  not  the  affianced  prince,  in- 
experienced as  he  is  in  arms,  provoke  by  a touch  this  terrible 
lion,  whom  bloody  rage  hurries  through  the  midst  of  slaughter. 
It  is  sweet  and  glorious  to  die  for  one’s  country ; death  even 
pursues  the  man  that  flies  from  him ; nor  does  he  spare  the 
trembling  knees  of  effeminate  youth,  nor  the  coward  back. 
Virtue,  unknowing  of  base  repulse,  shines  with  immaculate 
honors ; nor  does  she  assume  nor  lay  aside  the  ensigns  of 

3 Minas,  “ internae  propter  facinora  commissa.”  Orelli. 

4 Atrium  was  properly  a great  hall,  in  which  the  Romans  placed  the 
statues  of  their  ancestors,  received  their  clients,  and  performed  all  their 
domestic  duties.  It  is  here  used  for  the  whole  dwelling.  Ed.  Dublin. 

5 Amice , i.  e.  “ with  a mind  well-disposed  toward  toil,”  and  hence, 
w patiently,  willingly.”  Orelli. 


62 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  III. 


her  dignity,®  at  the  veering  of  the  popular  air.  Virtue, 
throwing  open  heaven  to  those  who  deserve  not  to  die,  directs 
her  progress  through  paths  of  difficulty,7  and  spurns  with  a 
rapid  wing  groveling  cowards  and  the  slippery  earth.  There 
is  likewise  a sure  reward  for  faithful  silence.  I will  prohibit 
that  man,  who  shall  have  divulged  the  sacred  rites  of  mys- 
terious Ceres,  from  being  under  the  same  roof  with  me,  or 
from  setting  sail  with  me  in  the  same  fragile  bark : for 
Jupiter,  when  slighted,  often  joins  a good  man  in  the  same 
fate  with  a bad  one.  Seldom  hath  punishment,  though  lame, 
of  foot,  failed  to  overtake  the  wicked. 


ODE  III.8 

ON  STEADINESS  AND  INTEGRITY. 

Not  the  rage  of  the  people  pressing  to  hurtful  measures,  not 
the  aspect  of  a threatening  tyrant  can  shake  from  his  settled 
purpose  the  man  who  is  just  and  determined  in  his  resolu- 
tion ; nor  can  the  south  wind,  that  tumultuous  ruler  of  the 
restless  Adriatic,  nor  the  mighty  hand  of  thundering  Jove  ; if 
a crushed  world  should  fall  in  upon  him,  the  ruins  would 
strike  him  undismayed.  By  this  character9  Pollux,10  by  this 

6 Literally,  “ the  fasces.” 

7 Literally,  “ a forbidden  track.” 

8 Julius  Caesar,  according  to  Suetonius,  had  formed  a design  of  trans- 
porting the  seat  of  empire  to  Troy  or  Alexandria,  after  having  exhausted 
Italy  of  its  treasures  and  inhabitants.  This  was  strongly  reported  a little 
before  the  dictator  was  put  to  death ; and,  as  Augustus  seemed  willing  to 
enter  into  all  the  schemes  of  his  predecessor,  and  as  Troy  was  usually  es- 
teemed the  seat  of  the  Julian  family,  the  Romans  were  apprehensive 
that  he  had  resolved  to  carry  this  project  into  execution.  It  is  certain, 
that  both  Julius  Caesar  and  Augustus,  on  many  occasions,  showed  a 
very  remarkable  inclination  in  favor  of  Troy : the  first  ordered  it  to  be 
rebuilt;  the  second  settled  a colony  there;  and  they  both  granted  it 
considerable  privileges.  Thus  the  report,  concerning  the  dictator’s 
intention,  might  naturally  make  the  people  attentive  to  the  actions 
of  his  successor;  and  their  apprehensions  might  have  engaged  the 
poet  to  write  this  ode,  in  which  he  boldly  attempts  to  dissuade  Augustus 
from  his  design  by  representing  Juno,  in  a full  assembly  of  the  gods, 
threatening  the  Romans  with  her  resentment,  if  they  should  dare  to  re- 
build the  walls  of  a city  Which  had  been  always  an  object  of  her  dis- 
pleasure and  revenge. 

9 Eac  arte ,]  apery,  11  by  using  this  same  constancy.”  Orelli. 

10  Pollux,  the  son  of  Jupiter  and  Leda,  and  twin  brother  of  Castor ; oi. 


ODE  III. 


ODES  OF  nORACE. 


63 


tho  wandering  Hercules,  arrived  at  the  starry  citadels  ; among 
whom  Augustus11  has  now  taken  his  place,  and  quaffs  nectar 
with  empurpled  lips.  Thee,  O father  Bacchus,  meritorious  for 
this  virtue,  thy  tigers  carried,  drawing  the  yoke  with  intract- 
able neck ; by  this  Romulus  escaped  Acheron  on  the  horses  of 
Mars — Juno11  having  spoken  what  the  gods  in  full  conclave 
approved:  “Troy,  Troy,  a fatal  and  lewd  judge,13  and  a 
foreign  woman,  have  reduced  to  ashes,  condemned,14  with  its 
inhabitants  and  fraudulent  prince,  to  me  and  the  chaste 
Minerva,  ever  since  Laomedon15  disappointed  the  gods  of  the 
stipulated  reward.  Now  neither  the  infamous  guest  of  the 
Lacedaemonian  adulteress  shines ; nor  does  Priam’s  perjured 
family  repel  the  warlike  Grecians  by  the  aid  of  Hector,  and 
that  war,  spun  out  to  such  a length  by  our  factions,  has  sunk 
to  peace.  Henceforth,  therefore,  I will  give  up  to  Mars  both 
my  bitter  resentment,  and  the  detested  grandson,16  whom  the 
Trojan  princes  bore.  Him  will  I suffer  to  enter  the  bright 
regions,  to  drink  the  juice  of  nectar,  and  to  be  enrolled  among 
the  peaceful  order  of  gods.  As  long  as  the  extensive  sea  rages 

as  others,  the  son  of  Tyndarus,  whence  the  brothers  are  called  Tyn- 
daridae.  He  and  his  brother  were  immortal  by  turns.  He  was  famous 
for  boxing,  and  Castor  for  horsemanship.  They  freed  the  seas  of  pirates, 
and  were  therefore  worshiped  as  the  gods  of  the  sea.  Watson. 

11  Divine  honors  were  decreed  to  Augustus  in  the  year  T25,  and  the 
poet  here  appoints  him  a seat  in  heaven  among  the  heroes,  who  were 
deified  for  their  resolution  and  constancy,  to  show  that  his  statue  was 
placed  in  Rome  with  those  of  Pollux,  Hercules,  and  Bacchus.  The 
Romans  painted  the  faces  of  these  statues  with  vermilion,  from  whence 
Dacier  thinks  that  Horace  hath  taken  this  expression,  purpureo  ore. 
Others  understand  the  rays  of  light,  with  which  the  gods  are  represented ; 
yet  more  naturally  it  seems  to  mean  a glowing  of  brightness,  without  re- 
gard to  any  particular  color,  for  the  word  purpureus  is  often  thus  used 
by  the  best  authors.  As  Virgil,  purpureum  mare.  Fran. 

!2  Juno,  see  B.  II.  Ode  i.  Watson. 

13  Alluding  to  the  judgment  of  Paris.  Cf.  Virg.  JEn.  i.  26  sq. 

14  Damnatus  was  a term  of  the  Roman  law,  which  adjudged  an  in- 
solvent debtor  to  his  creditors  in  which  sense  it  is  here  used,  to  express 
the  condemnation  of  the  Trojans  to  the  resentment  of  Juno  and  Minerva. 
Dac. 

15  Laomedon.  The  ancients  relate  that  Neptune  and  Apollo  assisted 
him  in  building  the  walls  of  Troy,  but  that  he  defrauded  them  of  the 
wages  he  promised  them  for  so  doing.  Watson. 

16  Romulus  was  the  grandson  of  Juno  by  her  son  Mars,  and  detested 
by  the  goddess  because  a Trojan  priestess  was  his  mother.  Nepos,  in 
the  time  of  pure  Latinity,  always  signified  a grandson,  and  Quintilian 
first  used  it  for  a nephew.  San. 


64 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


book  nr. 


between  Troy  and  Rome,  let  them,  exiles,  reign  happy  in  any 
other  part  of  the  world : as  long  as  cattle  trample  upon  the 
tomb  of  Priam  and  Paris,  and  wild  beasts  conceal  their  young 
ones  there  with  impunity,  may  the  Capitol  remain  in  splendor, 
and  may  brave  Rome  be  able  to  give  laws  to  the  conquered 
Medes.  Tremendous  let  her  extend  her  name  abroad  to  the 
extremest  boundaries  of  the  earth,  where  the  middle  ocean 
separates  Europe  from  Africa,  where  the  swollen  Nile  waters 
the  plains  ; more  brave  in  despising  gold  as  yet  undiscovered, 
and  so  best  situated  while  hidden  in  the  earth,  than  in  forcing 
it  out  for  the  uses  of  mankind,  with  a hand  ready  to  make 
depredations  on  every  thing  that  is  sacred.  Whatever  end  of 
the  world  has  made  resistance,  that  let  her  reach  with  her 
arms,  joyfully  alert  to  visit  even  that  part  where  fiery  heats 
rage  madding ; that  where  clouds  and  rains  storm  with  un- 
moderated  fury.  But  I pronounce  this  fate  to  the  warlike 
Romans,  upon  this  condition  ; that  neither  through  an  excess 
of  piety,  nor  of  confidence  in  their  power,  they  become  in- 
clined to  rebuild  the  houses  of  their  ancestors’  Troy.  The 
fortune  of  Troy,  reviving  under  unlucky  auspices,  shall  be  re- 
peated with  lamentable  destruction,  I,  the  wife  and  sister  of 
Jupiter,  leading  on  the  victorious  bands.  Thrice,  if  a brazen 
wall  should  arise  by  means  of  its  founder  Phoebus,  thrice 
should  it  fall,  demolished  by  my  Grecians ; thrice  should  the 
captive  wife  bewail  her  husband  and  her  children.”  These 
themes  ill  suit  the  merry  lyre.  Whither,  muse,  are  you  go- 
ing ? — Cease,  impertinent,  to  relate  the  language  of  the  gods, 
and  to  debase  great  things  by  your  trifling  measures. 


ODE  IV. 

TO  CALLIOPE. 

Descend  from  heaven,  queen  Calliope,  and  come  sing  with 
your  pipe  a lengthened  strain  ; or,  if  you  had  now  rather,  with 
your  clear  voice,  or  on  the  harp  or  lute  of  Phoebus.  Do  ye 
hear  ? or  does  a pleasing  frenzy  delude  me  ? I seem  to 
hear  [her],  and  to  wander  [with  her]  along  the  hallowed 
groves,  through  which  pleasant  rivulets  and  gales  make  their 


ODE  IV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


05 


way.  Me,  when  a child,  and  fatigued  with  play,  in  sleep  the 
woodland  doves,  famous  in  story,  covered  with  green  leaves 
in  the  Apulian  Vultur,  just  without  the  limits  of  my  native 
Apulia ; so  that  it  was  matter  of  wonder  to  all  that  inhabit 
the  nest  of  lofty17  Acherontia,  the  Bantine  Forests,  and  the 
rich  soil  of  low  Ferentum,  how  I could  sleep  with  my  body 
safe  from  deadly  vipers  and  ravenous  bears  ; how  I could  be 
covered  with  sacred  laurel  and  myrtle  heaped  together,  though 
a child,  not  animated  without  the  [inspiration  of  the]  gods. 
Yours,  O ye  muses,  I am  yours,  whether  I am  elevated  to  the 
Sabine  heights  ; or  whether  the  cool  Praeneste,  or  the  sloping 
Tibur,  or  the  watery  Baise  have  delighted  me.  Me,  who  am 
attached  to  your  fountains  and  dances,  not  the  army  put  to 
flight  at  Philippi,18  not  the  execrable  tree,  nor  a Palinurus  in 
the  Sicilian  Sea  has  destroyed.  While  you  shall  be  with  me, 
with  pleasure  will  I,  a sailor,  dare  the  raging  Bosphorus ; or, 
a traveler,  the  burning  sands  of  the  Assyrian  shore  :19  I will 
visit  the  Britons  inhuman  to  strangers,20  and  the  Concanian 
delighted  [with  drinking]  the  blood  of  horses  : I will  visit  the 
quivered  Geloni,  and  the  Scythian  river21  without  hurt.  You 
entertained  lofty22  Caesar,  seeking  to  put  an  end  to  his  toils, 
in  the  Pierian  grotto,  as  soon  as  he  had  distributed  in  towns 

17  Horace  calls  Acherontia  a nest,  because  it  was  situated  upon  rocks, 
on  the  frontiers  of  Lucania.  Cicero  says  of  Ulysses,  “ so  powerful  is  the 
love  of  our  country,  that  this  wisest  of  the  Greeks  preferred  his  Ithaca, 
fixed,  like  a nest,  upon  rocks,  to  the  enjoyment  of  immortality.”  Dac. 

18  The  poet  here  collects  three  facts,  to  show  that  the  gods  particularly 
watched  over  his  preservation.  He  fled  from  the  battle  of  Philippi  in 
*712;  he  avoided  the  fall  of  a tree,  134:;  and  he  was  preserved  from 
shipwreck,  probably,  in  the  year  116,  when  he  went  aboard  the  fleet 
with  Maecenas,  to  pass  over  into  Sicily  against  Pompey.  San. 

19  Assyria,  properly  speaking,  is  an  inland  country,  and  far  distant 
from  the  sea ; it  is  therefore  used  by  the  poet  for  Syria,  which  extends 
itself  along  the  shore  as  far  as  Babylon.  Such  liberties  are  usual  to  the 
poets.  Dac.  San. 

20  Upon  the  authority  of  the  scholiast  Acron,  the  commentators  be- 
lieve that  the  Britons  sacrificed  strangers  to  the  gods. 

21  The  commentators  here  understand  the  Tanais ; but  the  poet  seems 
rather  to  speak  of  the  Caspian  Sea,  which  is  also  called  Scythicus  sinus. 
The  Latins,  in  imitation  of  the  Greeks,  make  use  of  the  word  amnis  in- 
stead of  mare.  Dac. 

22  Dacier  and  Sanadon,  in  opposition  to  all  the  commentators,  agree 
that  this  epithet  is  here  used  for  alumnus , that  it  refers  to  almce  in  the 
forty-second  line,  and  that  they  are  both  derived  from  the  verb  alere. 


66 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  III. 


his  troops,  wearied  by  campaigning  :23  you  administer  [to 
him]  moderate  counsel,  and  graciously  rejoice  at  it  when  ad- 
ministered. We  are  aware  how  he,  who  rules  the  inactive 
earth  and  the  stormy  main,  the  cities  also,  and  the  dreary 
realms  [of  hell],  and  alone  governs  with  a righteous  sway  both 
gods  and  the  human  multitude,  how  he  took  off  the  impious 
Titans  and  the  gigantic  troop  by  his  falling  thunderbolts. 
That  horrid  youth,  trusting  to  the  strength  of  their  arms,  and 
the  brethren  proceeding  to  place  Pelion  upon  shady  Olympus, 
had  brought  great  dread  [even]  upon  Jove.  But  what  could 
Typhoeus,  and  the  strong  'Mimas,  or  what  Porphyrion  with 
his  menacing  stature ; what  Rhoetus,  and  Enceladus,  a fierce 
darter  with  trees  uptorn,  avail,  though  rushing  violently 
against  the  sounding  shield  of  Pallas  ? At  one  part  stood  the 
eager  Vulcan,  at  another  the  matron  Juno,  and  he,  who  is 
never  desirous  to  lay  aside  his  bow  from  his  shoulders,  Apollo, 
the  god  of  Delos  and  Patara,  who  bathes  his  flowing  hair  in 
the  pure  dew  of  Castalia,  and  possesses  the  groves  of  Lycia 
and  his  native  wood.  Force,  void  of  conduct,  falls  by  its  own 
weight ; moreover,  the  gods  promote  discreet  force  to  further 
advantage  ; but  the  same  beings  detest  forces,  that  meditate 
every  kind  of  impiety.  The  hundred-handed  Gyges  is  an 
evidence  of  the  sentiments  I allege  : and  Orion,  the  tempter  of 
the  spotless  Diana,  destroyed  by  a virgin  dart.  The  earth, 
heaped  over  her  own  monsters,  grieves  and  laments  her  off- 
spring, sent  to  murky  Hades  by  a thunderbolt ; nor  does  the 
active  fire  consume  jEtna  that  is  placed  over  it,  nor  does  the 
vulture  desert  the  liver  of  incontinent  Tityus,  being  stationed 
there  as  an  avenger  of  his  baseness ; and  three  hundred 
chains  confine  the  amorous  Pirithous. 

S3  It  is  a noble  encomium  of  Augustus,  that  he  was  fatigued  with 
conquest,  which  he  was  always  willing  to  end  by  an  honorable  peace. 
Piso  having  happily  terminated  the  Thracian  war  in  743,  Augustus  re- 
turned to  Rome  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  following,  with  Tiberius 
and  Drusus,  who  had  reduced  the  Germans,  the  Dacians,  and  other 
nations  bordering  upon  the  Danube.  The  empire  being  thus  at  peace, 
Augustus  executed  a decree  of  the  senate  to  shut  the  temple  of  Janus. 
This  naturally  supposes  the  disbanding  of  his  armies,  of  which  Horace 
speaks.  San. 


ODE  y. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


G7 


ODE  V.24 

ON  THE  RECOVERY  OF  THE  STANDARDS  FROM  PIIRAATES. 

We  believe26  from  bis  thundering  that  Jupiter  has  dominion 
in  the  heavens  : Augustus  shall  be  esteemed  a present  deity, 
the  Britons  and  terrible  Partliians  being  added  to  the  empire. 
What ! has  any  soldier  of  Crassus  lived,  a degraded  husband 
with  a barbarian  wife  ? And  has  (O  [corrupted]  senate,  and 
degenerate  morals !)  the  Marsian  and  Apulian,  unmindful  of 
the  sacred  bucklers,  of  the  [Roman]  name  and  gown,  and  of 
eternal  Yesta,  grown  old  in  the  lands  of  hostile  fathers-in- 
law,  Jupiter26  and  the  city  being  in  safety  ? The  prudent 
mind  of  Regulus  had  provided  against  this,  dissenting27  from 
ignominious  terms,  and  inferring  from  such  a precedent  de- 
struction to  the  succeeding  age,  if  the  captive  youth  were  not 
to  perish  unpitied.  I have  beheld,  said  he,  the  Roman  stand- 
ards affixed  to  the  Carthaginian  temples,  and  their  arms  taken 
away  from  our  soldiers  without  bloodshed.  I have  beheld 
the  arms  of  our  citizens  bound  behind  their  free-born  backs, 
and  the  gates  [of  the  enemy]  unshut,  and  the  fields,  which 
were  depopulated  by  our  battles,  cultivated  anew.  The 

24  In  the  year  of  Rome  731,  Pliraates  received  his  son,  who  was 
detained  as  a hostage  at  Rome,  from  Augustus,  on  the  express  condition 
that  he  would  restore  the  Roman  standards  taken  from  the  army  of 
Crassus.  Phraates  however  considered  that  distance  was  safety,  and 
accordingly  neglected  to  fulfill  his  engagement,  until  a rumor  prevailed 
that  Augustus  would  no  longer  be  trifled  with,  and  had  already  advanced 
as  far  as  Syria,  with  the  intention  of  renewing  the  war.  By  policy  then 
the  standards  were  restored,  yet  the  vanity  of  the  Romans  transformed 
this  peaceable  transaction  into  the  result  of  a violent  warfare,  and  accord- 
inglyit  was  celebrated  by  triumphal  arches,  monuments  and  coins.  ¥h. 
“History,  with  correct  simplicity,  assures  us  (F.  H.  228),  that  in  B.  c. 
23,  Tiridates  being  then  at  Rome,  on  an  embassy  arriving  from  Phraates, 
Augustus  seized  the  occasion,  among  other  points,  to  demand  the  restitu- 
tion of  the  standards ; and  to  the  natural  expectation  of  prompt  compli- 
ance, which  such  a demand  would  create,  Mr.  Clinton  thinks  may  be  re- 
ferred this  splendid  stanza,  when  hope  is  at  once  converted  into  certainty.” 
Tate. 

25  “ Credidimus , i.  e.  semper,  atque  etiam  nunc  credimus.”  Orelli. 

26  Jove.  “Salvo  capitolio.”  Schol. 

27  We  have  adopted  the  reading  of  MSS.  with  the  interpretation  of 
Jahn,  “of  Regulus  dissenting  from  this  base  proposal,  and  deducing 
from  this  precedent  destruction  for  all  futurity,”  etc.  Wheeler. 


68 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  III. 


soldier,  to  be  sure,  ransomed  by  gold,  will  return  a braver 
fellow ! — No — you  add  loss  to  infamy ; [for]  neither  does  the 
wool  once  stained  by  the  dye  of  the  sea-weed  ever  resume  its 
lost  color;  nor  does  genuine  valor,  when  once  it  has  failed, 
care  to  resume  its  place  in  those  who  have  degenerated  through 
cowardice.  If  the  hind,  disentangled  from  the  thick-set  toils, 
ever  fights,  then  indeed  shall  he  be  valorous,  who  has  in- 
trusted himself  to  faithless  foes ; and  he  shall  trample  upon 
the  Carthaginians  in  a second  war,  who  dastardly  has  felt  the 
thongs  with  his  arms  tied  behind  him,  and  has  been  afraid  of 
death.  He,  knowing  no  other  way  to  preserve  his  life,  has 
confounded  peace  with  war.  O scandal ! O mighty  Carthage, 
elevated  to  a higher  pitch  by  Italy’s  disgraceful  downfall ! He 
( Regulus ) is  reported  to  have  rejected  the  embrace  of  his 
virtuous  wife  and  his  little  sons  like  one  degraded  ;28  and  to 
have  sternly  fixed  his  manly  countenance  on  the  ground, 
until,  as  an  adviser,  by  his  counsel  he  confirmed  the  waver- 
ing senators,  and  amid  his  weeping  friends  hastened  away,  a 
glorious  exile.  Notwithstanding  he  knew  what  the  barbarian 
executioner  was  providing  for  him,  yet  he  pushed  from  his 
opposing  kindred  and  the  populace  retarding  his  return,  in 
no  other  manner,  than  if  (after  he  had  quitted  the  tedious 
business  of  his  clients,  by  determining  their  suit)  he  was  only 
going  to  the  Yenafrian  plains,  or  the  Lacedaemonian  Ta- 
rentum. 


ODE  VI. 

TO  THE  ROMANS. 

Thou  shalt  atone,  O Roman,  for  the  sins  of  your  ancestors, 
though  innocent,  till  you  shall  have  repaired  the  temples  and 
tottering  shrines  of  the  gods,  and  their  statues,  defiled  with 
sooty  smoke.  Thou  holdest  sway,  because  thou  bearest  thy- 
self subordinate  to  the  gods ; to  this  source  refer  every  under- 
taking; to  this,  every  event.  The  gods,  because  neglected, 
have  inflicted  many  evils  on  calamitous  Italy.  Already  has 

28  Ut  capitis  minor , “As  one  no  longer  a freeman.”  Among  the 
Romans,  any  loss  of  liberty  or  of  the  rights  of  a citizen  was  called 
Deminutio  Capitis . Anthon. 


ODE  VI. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


09 


Monseses,29  and  the  band  of  Pacorus,  twice  repelled  our  in- 
auspicious  attacks,  and  exults  in  having  added  the  Roman 
spoils  to  their  trivial  collars.  The  Dacian  and  ^Ethiopian30 
have  almost  demolished  the  city  engaged  in  civil  broils,  the 
one  formidable  for  his  fleet,  the  other  more  expert  for  missile 
arrows.  The  times,  fertile  in  wickedness,  have  in  the  first 
place  polluted  the  marriage  state,  and  [thence]  the  issue  and 
families.  From  this  fountain  perdition  being  derived,  has 
overwhelmed  the  nation  and  people.  The  marriageable 
virgin  delights  to  be  taught  the  Ionic  dances,31  and  even  at 
this  time  is  trained  up  in  [seductive]  arts,  and  cherishes  un- 
chaste desires  from  her  very  infancy.  Soon  after  she  courts 
younger  debauchees  when  her  husband  is  in  his  cups,  nor  has 
she  any  choice,  to  whom  she  shall  privately  grant  her  forbidden 
pleasures  when  the  lights  are  removed,  but  at  the  word  or 
command,  openly,  not  without  the  knowledge  of  her  husband, 
she  will  come  forth,  whether  it  be  a factor  that  calls  for  her, 
or  the  captain  of  a Spanish  ship,  the  extravagant  purchaser 
of  her  disgrace.  It  was  not  a youth  born  from  parents  like 
these,  that  stained  the  sea  with  Carthaginian  gore,  and  slew 
Pyrrhus,  and  mighty  Antiochus,  and  terrific  Annibal ; but  a 
manly  progeny  of  rustic  soldiers,  instructed  to  turn  the  glebe 
with  Sabine  spades,  and  to  carry  clubs  cut  [out  of  the  woods] 
at  the  pleasure  of  a rigid  mother,  what  time  the  sun  shifted 
the  shadows32  of  the  mountains,  and  took  the  yokes  from  the 


29  Alluding  to  two  Parthian  commanders  who  had  proved  victorious 
over  the  Romans.  Monseses,  more  commonly  known  by  the  name  of 
Surena,  is  the  same  that  defeated  Crassus.  Pacorus  was  the  son  of 
Orodes,  the  Parthian  monarch,  and  defeated  Didius  Saxa,  the  lieutenant 
of  Mark  Antony.  Monceses , here,  is  a proper  name,  but  Surena  is  an 
oriental  term  of  dignity,  indicating  the  person  next  in  authority  to  the 
monarch. 

30  We  are  not  to  understand  this  passage  as  if  the  Dacians  and 
Ethiopians  had  twice  attempted  to  destroy  the  city  of  Rome.  Horace 
means  the  army  of  Antony  and  Cleopatra,  which  was  chiefly  composed 
of  those  nations.  Bond. 

31  The  Ionians  were  the  most  voluptuous  people  of  the  world ; their 
music,  their  dances,  and  their  poetry  were  formed  with  a peculiar  soft- 
ness and  delicacy.  Even  their  laughter  had  something  so  dissolute,  that 
’ Icjvikoc  yehoc  became  a proverb.  The  poet  mentions  the  marriageablo 
virgin,  because  it  was  shameful  for  a girl  of  that  age  to  learn  to  dance. 
That  exercise  was  only  permitted  during  their  infancy.  Todd. 

32  The  sun  changes  the  shadows,  in  proportion  as  he  declines  to  his 


*70 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IIL 


wearied  oxen,  bringing  on  the  pleasant  hour  with  his  retreat- 
ing chariot.  What  does  not  wasting  time  destroy  ? The  age 
of  our  fathers,  worse  than  our  grandsires,  produced  us  still 
more  flagitious,  us,  who  are  about  to  produce  an  offspring 
more  vicious  [even  than  ourselves]. 


ODE  VII. 

TO  ASTERIE. 

Why,  0 Asterie,  do  you  weep  for  Gyges,  a youth  of  inviola- 
ble constancy,33  whom  the  kindly  zephyrs34  will  restore  to 
you  in  the  beginning  of  the  spring,  enriched  with  a Bithynian 
cargo?36  Driven  as  far  as  Oricum  by  the  southern  winds, 
after  [the  rising]  of  the  Goat’s  tempestuous  constellation,  he 
sleepless  passes  the  cold  nights  in  abundant  weeping  [for 
you]  ; but  the  agent  of  his  anxious  landlady  slyly  tempts  him 
by  a thousand  methods,  informing  him  that  [his  mistress], 
Chloe,  is  sighing  for  him,  and  burns  with  the  same  love  that 
thou  hast  for  him.  He  remonstrates  with  him  how  a perfidious 
woman  urged  the  credulous  Prcetus,  by  false  accusations,  to 
hasten  the  death  of  the  over-chaste  Bellerophon.  He  tells 
how  Peleus  was  like  to  have  been  given  up  to  the  infernal 
regions,  while  out  of  temperance  he  avoided  the  Magnesian 
Hippolyte : and  the  deceiver  quotes  histories  to  him,  that  are 
lessons  for  sinning.36  In  vain ; for,  heart-whole  as  yet,  he 
receives  his  words  deafer  than  the  Icarian  rocks.  But  with 
regard  to  you,  have  a care  lest  your  neighbor  Enipeus  prove 
too  pleasing.  Though  no  other  person  equally  skillful  to  guide 

setting.  In  the  morning  he  directs  them  to  the  west,  in  the  evening  to 
the  east.  Torr. 

33  “Fide”  is  the  ancient  form  of  the  genitive.  See  Orelli. 

34  The  poet  does  not  mean  that  this  wind  shall  bring  Gyges  home,  for 
it  was  directly  contrary  to  his  return  to  Italy,  but  that  in  general  it  opens 
the  seas,  and  encourages  navigation,  by  restoring  fair  weather.  Torr 

35  Toys  of  iron,  steel,  silver,  and  gold,  which  the  Bithynians  made  with 
great  neatness.  Francis. 

36  Chloe’s  confidant,  not  being  able  to  testify  Gyges  into  compliance, 
by  the  dangers  to  which  these  two  heroes  were  exposed  for  their  chastity, 
strives  to  seduce  him  by  examples  of  those  who  had  yielded  upon  easier 
terms.  Torr. 


ODE  VIII. 


ODES  OP  HORACE. 


71 


tho  steed,  is  conspicuous  in  the  course,  nor  docs  any  one  with 
equal  swiftness  swim  down  the  Etrurian  stream,  yet  secure 
your  house  at  the  very  approach  of  night,  nor  look  down  into 
the  streets  at  the  sound  of  the  doleful  pipe ; and  remain 
inflexible  toward  him,  though  he  often  upbraid  thee  with 
cruelty. 


ODE  VIII. 

TO  MAECENAS.37 

O Maecenas,  learned  in  both  languages,38  you  wonder  what 
I,  a single  man,  have  to  do  on  the  calends  of  March ; what 
these  flowers  mean,  and  the  censer  replete  with  frankincense, 
and  the  coals  laid  upon  the  live  turf.  I made  a vow  of  a 
joyous  banquet,  and  a white  goat39  to  Bacchus,  after  having 
been  at  the  point  of  death  by  a blow  from  a tree.  This  day, 
sacred  in  the  revolving  year,  shall  remove  the  cork  fastened 
with  pitch43  from  that  jar,  which  was  set  to  inhale  the  smoke 

67  A festival  was  observed,  with  much  religious  pomp,  upon  the  first 
of  March,  by  the  Roman  ladies,  in  memory  of  the  day  when  the  Sabine 
women,  having  reconciled  their  husbands  with  their  fathers,  dedicated  a 
temple  to  Juno.  They  offered  sacrifices  and  flowers  to  the  goddess  in 
that  very  temple,  and  waited  at  home  the  rest  of  the  day,  to  receive  the 
presents  which  their  friends  and  husbands  made  them,  as  if  to  thank 
them  for  that  happy  mediation.  From  hence  the  calends  of  March  were 
called  Matronalia , or  Matronales  ferice;  and,  while  the  wives  performed 
their  offerings  to  Juno,  their  husbands  sacrificed  to  Janus.  Torr.  Dac. 

88  Sermones,  in  the  language  of  Horace,  signifies  books  and  literary 
compositions.  It  is  here  used  in  the  same  sense ; for  the  surprise  of 
Maecenas,  at  seeing  a bachelor  preparing  a sacrifice  on  the  first  of  March, 
arises  from  his  knowledge  of  the  religious  rites  and  customs  of  Greece, 
by  his  being  master  of  the  books  and  learning  of  both  languages.  San. 

39  The  ancients  usually  sacrificed  to  the  gods  the  beasts  which  they 
hated.  Thus  a goat  is  sacrificed  to  Bacchus,  because  it  destroyed  the 
vine.  The  victims  of  the  celestial  gods  were  white,  those  of  the  infernal 
deities  were  black.  Cruq. 

40  When  the  wine  vessels  were  filled,  and  the  disturbance  of  the  liquor 
had  subsided,  the  covers  or  stoppers  were  secured  with  plaster,  or  a coat- 
ing of  pitch  mixed  with  the  ashes  of  the  vine,  so  as  to  exclude  all  com- 
munication with  the  external  air.  After  this,  the  wines  were  mellowed 
by  the  application  of  smoke,  which  was  prevented,  by  the  ample  coating 
of  pitch  or  plaster  on  the  wine  vessel,  from  penetrating  so  far  as  to  vitiate 
the  genuine  taste  of  the  liquor.  Previously,  however,  to  depositing  the 


12 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  III. 


in  the  consulship  of  Tullus.  Take,  my  Maecenas,  a hundred 
cups  on  account  of  the  safety  of  your  friend,  and  continue  the 
wakeful  lamps  even  to  day-light : all  clamor  and  passion  be 
far  away.  Postpone  your  political  cares41  with  regard  to  the 
state  : the  army  of  the  Dacian  Cotison  is  defeated ; the  trouble- 
some Mede42  is  quarreling  with  himself  in  a horrible 
[civil]  war : the  Cantabrian,  our  old  enemy43  on  the  Spanish 
coast,  is  subject  to  us,  though  conquered  by  a long-disputed 
victory:  now,  too,  the  Scythians  are  preparing  to  quit  the 
field  with  their  unbent  bows.  Neglectful,44  as  a private  per- 
son, forbear  to  be  too  solicitous  lest  the  community  in  any 
wise  suffer,  and  joyfully  seize  the  boons  of  the  present  hour, 
and  quit  serious  affairs. 


ODE  IX. 

TO  LYDIA. 

Horace.  As  long  as  I was  agreeable  to  thee,  and  no  other 

amphorse  in  the  wine-vault  or  apotheca,  it  was  usual  to  put  upon  them  a 
label  or  mark  indicative  of  the  vintages,  and  of  the  names  of  the  consuls 
in  authority  at  the  time,  in  order  that,  when  they  were  taken  out,  their 
age  and  growth  might  be  easily  recognized.  If  by  the  consulship  of 
Tullus,  mentioned  in  the  text,  be  meant  that  of  L.  Volcatius  Tullus,  who 
had  M.  ^Emilius  Lepidus  for  his  colleague,  a.  u.  c.  688,  and  if  the  present 
ode,  as  would  appear  from  verse  It  seqq.,  was  composed  a.  u.  c.  734, 
the  wine  offered  by  Horace  to  his  friend  must  have  been  more  than 
forty-six  years  old.  Anthon. 

41  Augustus  was  not  yet  returned  from  his  eastern  expedition,  and 
when  Agrippa  went  to  Spain,  Pannonia,  and  Syria,  Maecenas  possessed 
alone  the  government  of  Rome  and  Italy,  until  September,  738,  when  he 
resigned  it  to  Statilius  Taurus,  that  he  might  follow  Augustus  into  Gaul. 
Torr.  San. 

42  The  submission  which  Phraates  made  to  Augustus,  was  as  much  an 
effect  of  his  politics  as  of  his  fears.  Detested  for  his  cruelties,  he  en- 
deavored to  support  himself  against  his  own  subjects  by  his  alliance 
with  the  Romans,  and  when  he  rendered  to  Augustus  the  Roman 
standards  and  prisoners,  he  delivered  four  sons  and  four  grandsons  to 
him,  to  preserve  them  from  the  insurrections  of  his  own  people.  San. 

43  The  war  in  Spain  continued  more  than  200  years  before  the  Canta- 
brians were  perfectly  subdued,  and  Strabo  judiciously  remarks,  that  it 
proceeded  from  their  not  opposing  their  whole  force  at  once  to  the 
Romans.  San. 

44  Negligens : “ securus,  non  timens.”  Schol. 


ODE  X. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


73 


youth  more  favored  was  wont  to  fold  his  arms  around  thy 
snowy  neck,  I lived  happier  than  the  Persian  monarch.45 

Lydia.  As  long  as  thou  hadst  not  a greater  flame  for  any 
other,  nor  was  Lydia  below  Chloe  [in  thine  affections],  I 
Lydia,  of  distinguished  fame,  flourished  more'*  eminent  than 
the  Roman  Ilia. 

Hor.  The  Thracian  Chloe  now  commands  me,  skillful  in 
sweet  modulations,  and  a mistress  of  the  lyre ; for  whom  I 
would  not  dread  to  die,  if  the  fates  would  spare  her,  my  sur- 
viving soul. 

Lyd.  Calais,  the  son  of  the  Thurian  Ornitus,  inflames  me 
with  a mutual  fire ; for  whom  I would  twice  endure  to  die,  if 
the  fates  would  spare  my  surviving  youth. 

Hor.  What  \ if  our  former  love  returns,  and  unites  by  a 
brazen  yoke  us  once  parted  ? What  if  Chloe  with  her  golden 
locks  be  shaken  off,  and  the  door  again  open  to  slighted  Lydia. 

Lyd.  Though  he  is  fairer  than  a star,  thou  of  more  levity 
than  a cork,  and  more  passionate  than  the  blustering  Adriatic ; 
with  thee  I should  love  to  live,  with  thee  I would  cheerfully  die. 


ODE  X. 

TO  LYCE. 

O Lyce,  had  you  drunk  from  the  remote  Tanais,  in  a state  of 
marriage  with  some  barbarian,  yet  you  might  be  sorry  to  ex- 
pose me,  prostrate  before  your  obdurate  doors,  to  the  north 
winds  that  have  made  those  places  their  abode.  Do  you  hear 
with  what  a noise  your  gate,  with  what  [a  noise]  the  grove, 
planted  about  your  elegant  buildings,  rebellows  to  the  winds  ? 
And  how  Jupiter  glazes  the  settled  snow  with  his  bright  in- 
fluence ? Lay  aside  disdain,  offensive  to  Venus,  lest  your  rope 
should  run  backward,46  while  the  wheel  is  revolving.  Your 

The  kings  of  Persia,  in  the  times  of  Horace,  might  more  properly  be 
called  governors,  as  they  were  in  subjection  to  the  Parthians.  The  poet 
therefore  means  the  ancient  kings  of  Persia,  such  as  Cyrus  or  Darius, 
who  were  called  kings  of  kings ; and  whose  riches  and  power  gave  birth 
to  the  proverb,  “ Happier  than  the  king  of  Persia.”  Cruq. 

48  An  allusion  to  some  mechanical  contrivance  for  raising  heavy  weights, 
and  which  consists  of  a wheel  with  a rope  passing  in  a grove  along  its 

4 


74 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  III. 


Tyrrhenian  father  did  not  beget  you  to  be  as  inaccessible  as 
Penelope  to  your  wooers.  6 though  neither  presents,  nor 
prayers,  nor  the  violet-tinctured  paleness  of  your  lovers,  nor 
your  husband  smitten  with  a musical  courtezan,  bend  you  to 
pity;  yet  [at  length]  spare  your  suppliants,  you  that  are  not 
softer  than  the  sturdy  oak,  nor  of  a gentler  disposition  than 
the  African  serpents.  This  side  [of  mine]  will  not  always  be 
able  to  endure  your  threshold,  and  the  rain. 


ODE  XI. 

TO  MERCURY. 

0 Mercury,  for  under  thy  instruction  the  ingenious  Amphion 
moved  rocks  by  his  voice,  you  being  his  tutor;  and  though  my 
harp,  skilled  in  sounding,  with  seven  strings,47  formerly 
neither  vocal  nor  pleasing,  but  now  agreeable  both  to  the  tables 
of  the  wealthy  and  the  temples  [of  the  gods] ; dictate  meas- 
ures to  which  Lyde  may  incline  her  obstinate  ears,  who,  like 
a filly  of  three  years  old,  plays  and  frisks  about  in  the  spa- 
cious fields,  inexperienced  in  nuptial  loves,  and  hitherto  unripe 
for  a brisk  husband.  You  are  able  to  draw  after  you  tigers 
and  attendant  woods,  and  to  retard  rapid  rivers.  To  your 
blandishments  the  enormous  porter  of  the  [infernal]  palace 
yielded,  though  a hundred  serpents  fortify  his  head,  and  a 
pestilential  steam  and  an  infectious  poison  issue  from  his  triple- 
tongued  mouth.  Moreover,  Ixion  and  Tityus  smiled  with  a 
reluctant  aspect : while  you  soothe  the  daughters  of  Danaus48 

outer  edge.  Should  the  weight  of  the  mass  that  is  to  be  raised  prove  too 
heavy,  the  rope,  unable  to  resist,  snaps  asunder,  and  flies  back,  being 
drawn  down  by  the  body  intended  to  be  elevated.  Anthon. 

47  Diodorus  tells  us,  that  the  lyre  had  at  first  but  four  strings,  according 
to  the  number  of  seasons,  or  quarters  of  the  heavens.  Macrobius  in- 
forms us,  that  it  was  afterward,  in  view  to  the  number  of  the  planets, 
mounted  with  seven  strings;  from  whence  Pindar  calls  it  the  seven- 
tongued  lyre.  Fran. 

48  Danaides ; the  daughters  of  Danaus.  He  was  the  brother  of  Egyptus, 
king  of  Egypt.  He  came  into  Greece,  and  having  expelled  Sthenelus, 
fixed  at  Argos.  He  had  fifty  daughters,  who  were  married  to  the  fifty 
sons  of  Egyptus,  whereof  all,  except  Hypermnestra,  by  their  father’s 
command,  slew  their  husbands  upon  the  wedding-night ; for  which  they 
were  condemned  in  hell  to  fill  a tub  with  water,  the  bottom  of  which  was 


ODE  XII. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


15 


with  your  delightful  harmony,  their  vessel  for  some  time  re- 
mained dry.  Let  Lyde  hear  of  the  crime,  and  the  well-known 
punishment  of  the  virgins,  and  the  cask  emptied  by  the  water 
streaming  through  the  bottom,  and  what  lasting  fates  await 
their  misdeeds  even  beyond  the  grave.  Impious!  (for  what 
greater  impiety  could  they  have  committed  ?)  Impious ! who 
could  destroy  their  bridegrooms  with  the  cruel  sword ! One 
out  of  the  many,  worthy  of  the  nuptial  torch,49  was  nobly  false 
to  her  perjured  parent,  and  a maiden  illustrious  to  all  posterity ; 
she,  who  said  to  her  youthful  husband,  u Arise  ! arise  ! lest  an 
eternal  sleep  be  given  to  you  from  a hand  you  have  no  suspicion 
of ; disappoint  your  father-in-law  and  my  wicked  sisters,  who, 
like  lionesses  having  possessed  themselves  of  calves  (alas) ! 
tear  each  of  them  to  pieces ; I,  of  softer  mold  than  they,  will 
neither  strike  thee,  nor  detain  the  in  my  custody.  Let  my 
father  load  me  with  cruel  chains,  because  out  of  mercy  I spared 
my  unhappy  spouse ; let  him  transport  me  even  to  the  extreme 
Numidian  plains.  Depart,  whither  your  feet  and  the  winds 
carry  you,  while  the  night  and  Venus  are  favorable : depart 
with  happy  omen ; yet,  not  forgetful  of  me,  engrave  my  mourn- 
ful story  on  my  tomb.”60 


ODE  XII. 

TO  NEOBULE. 

It  is  for  unhappy  maidens  neither  to  give  indulgence  to  love, 
nor  to  wash  away  cares  with  delicious  wine ; or  to  be  dis- 
pirited out  of  dread  of  the  lashes  of  an  uncle’s  tongue.61  The 

pierced,  and  fall  of  holes,  that  it  could  not  retain  any ; by  which  means 
their  labor  was  perpetually  renewed.  Watson". 

49  This  expression  is  taken  metaphorically  for  the  marriage ; because 
in  the  nuptial  ceremonies  the  bride  was  conducted  in  the  night  to  the 
bridegroom’s  house  by  the  light  of  torches.  San. 

59  Ovid  (Her.  xiv.  128)  supplies  the  epitaph : 

Scriptaque  sunt  titulo  nostra  sepulchra  brevi : 

“ Exul  Hypermnestra  pretium  pietatis  iniquum 
Quam  mortem  fratri  depulit,  ipsa  tulit.”  Anthon. 

51  Among  the  Romans,  uncles  had  a great  power  over  their  nephews ; 


76 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  III. 


winged  boy  of  Venus,  O Neobule,  has  deprived  you  of  your 
spindle  and  your  webs,  and  the  beauty  of  Hebrus62  from  Lipara 
of  inclination  for  the  labors  of  industrious  Minerva,  after  he 
has  bathed  his  anointed  shoulders  in  the  waters  of  the  Tiber ; a 
better  horseman  than  Bellerophon  himself,  neither  conquered 
at  boxing,  nor  by  want  of  swiftness  in  the  race : he  is  also 
skilled  to  strike  with  his  javelin  the  stags  flying  through  the 
open  plains  in  frightened  herd,  and  active  to  surprise  the  wild- 
boar  lurking  in  the  deep  thicket. 


ode  xm. 

* 

TO  THE  BANDUSIAN  FOUNTAIN. 

O thou  fountain  of  Bandusia,  clearer  than  glass,  worthy  of 
delicious  wine,63  not  unadorned  by  flowers ; to-morrow  thou 
shalt  be  presented  with  a kid,  whose  forehead,  pouting  with 
new  horns,  determines  upon  both  love  and  war  in  vain ; for 
this  offspring  of  the  wanton  flock  shall  tinge  thy  cooling 
streams  with  scarlet  blood.  The  severe  season  of  the  burning 
dog-star  can  not  reach  thee  ; thou  affordest  a refreshing  cool- 
ness to  the  oxen  fatigued  with  the  plow-share,  and  to  the 
ranging  flock.  Thou  also  shalt  become  one  of  the  famous 
fountains,  through  my  celebrating  the  oak  that  covers  the 
hollow  rock,  whence  thy  prattling  rills  descend  with  a 
bound. 

and  as  they  were  not  usually  so  indulgent  as  fathers,  their  severity  pass- 
ed into  a proverb.  Tore. 

52  Hebri.  The  name  of  a river  (as  above  Enipeus,  Od.  iii.  7,  23),  is 
attributed  to  a lover,  yet  the  addition  of  his  country’s  name  indicates 
some  individual  easily  recognizable.  Anthon. 

53  Ovid  represents  Numa  sacrificing  to  a fountain,  and  placing  round 
it  goblets  crowned  with  flowers,  a particular  not  mentioned  by  Horace, 
although  it  was,  perhaps,  a usual  part  of  the  solemnity,  intended  to  in' 
vite  the  divinity  to  drink.  Dac. 


ODE  XIV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


77 


ODE  XIV. 

TO  THE  ROMANS.64 

Augustus  Caesar,  0 ye  people  who  was  lately  said,  like 
another  Hercules,  to  have  sought  for  the  laurel  to  be  pur- 
chased  only  by  death,  revisits  his  domestic  gods,  victorious 
from  the  Spanish  shore.  Let  the  matron  (Livia),  to  whom 
her  husband  alone  is  dear,  come  forth  in  public  procession, 
having  first  performed  her  duty  to  the  just  gods;55  and  (Oc- 
tavio), the  sister  of  our  glorious  general ; the  mothers  also  of 
the  maidens  and  of  the  youths  just  preserved  from  danger, 
becomingly  adorned  with  supplicatory  fillets.56  Ye,  O young 
men,  and  young  women  lately  married,  abstain  from  ill- 
omened  words.  This  day,  to  me  a real  festival,  shall  expel 
gloomy  cares  : I will  neither  dread  commotions,57  nor  violent 
death,  while  Caesar  is  in  possession  of  the  earth.  Go,  slave, 
and  seek  for  perfume  and  chaplets,  and  a cask  that  remem- 
bers the  Marsian  war,58  if  any  vessel  could  elude  the  vaga- 
bond Spartacus.59  And  bid  the  tuneful  Neaera  make  haste  to 

54  Augustus  left  Rome  In  the  month  of  June,  727,  for  his  British  ex- 
pedition ; but  satisfied  with  the  submission  of  that  people,  he  turned  his 
arms  against  the  Spaniards,  and  did  not  return  to  Rome  until  the  year 
730.  Torr. 

55  The  gods  are  here  styled  “ just”  from  their  granting  to  Augustus 
the  success  which  his  valor  deserved.  This,  of  course,  is  mere  flattery. 
Augustus  was  never  remarkable  either  for  personal  bravery  or  military 
talents.  Anthon. 

56  The  Roman  ladies  usually  bound  their  heads,  as  a mark  of  their 
chastity,  with  fillets,  which  common  women  durst  not  wear.  But  Horace 
rather  means  the  sacred  vails  with  which  they  covered  their  heads  and 
hands  in  sacrifices,  public  prayers,  and  processions  upon  extraordinary 
occasions.  Dac. 

57  By  tumultus  the  poet  means  the  civil  wars,  and  by  vis , all  foreign 
wars.  He  with  reason  speaks  of  the  tranquillity  of  the  Roman  empire ; 
for  Augustus  a second  time  shut  the  temple  of  Janus  when  he  returned 
from  Spain.  Torr.  San. 

53  This  war  was  called  the  Social  and  Italian  war,  which  Horace  calls 
Marsian,  because  it  was  begun  by  the  Marsi ; and  as  the  memory  of  this 
war  was  marked  on  the  cask,  for  which  the  poet  sends  his  slaves,  the 
wine  must  have  been  sixty-eight  years  old.  San. 

59  Spartacus,  a gladiator,  and  Thracian  by  birth,  who,  putting  him- 
self at  the  head  of  a small  number  of  gladiators,  whom  he  had  drawn 


78 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  III. 


collect  into  a knot  her  auburn  hair ; but  if  any  delay  should 
happen  from  the  surly  porter,  come  away.  Hoary  hair  mol- 
lifies minds  that  are  fond  of  strife  and  petulant  wrangling. 
I would  not  have  endured  this  treatment,  warm  with  youth  in 
the  consulship  of  Plancus.60 


ODE  XV. 

TO  CHLORIS. 

You  wife  of  the  indigent  Ibycus,  at  length  put  an  end  to  your 
wickedness,  and  your  infamous  practices.  Cease  to  sport 
among  the  damsels,  and  to  diffuse  a cloud  among  bright  con- 
stellations, now  on  the  verge  of  a timely  death.  If  any  thing 
will  become  Pholoe,  it  does  not  you  Chloris,  likewise.  Your 
daughter  with  more  propriety  attacks  the  young  men’s  apart- 
ments, like  a Bacchanalian  roused  up  by  the  rattling  timbrel. 
The  love  of  Nothus  makes  her  frisk  about  like  a wanton  she- 
goat.  The  wool  shorn  near  the  famous  Luceria  becomes  you 
now  antiquated : not  musical  instruments,  or  the  damask  flower 
of  the  rose,  or  hogsheads  drunk  down  to  the  lees. 


ODE  XVI. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

A brazen  tower,  and  doors  of  oak,  and  the  melancholy  watch 
of  wakeful  dogs,  had  sufficiently  defended  the  imprisoned 
Danae61  from  midnight  gallants,  had  not  Jupiter  and  Venus 

out  of  the  hall  of  one  Lentulus,  at  Capua,  and  increasing  his  troop  by  a 
great  number  of  slaves,  who  daily  flocked  to  him,  and  ranged  themselves 
under  his  banners,  ravaged  all  Italy.  Watson. 

60  Munatius  Plancus  was  consul  in  the  year  when  the  battle  of  Phil- 
ippi was  fought,  when  our  poet  appeared  in  the  cause  of  liberty,  and  was 
a tribune  under  Brutus.  Bond. 

61  Danae,  the  daughter  of  Acrisius,  king  of  the  Argives.  He  being 
forewarned  by  the  oracle,  that  he  should  be  slain  by  his  own  grandson, 
and  having  no  other  daughter  but  this  Danae,  he  caused  her  to  be  shut 
up  in  a strong  tower,  and  suffered  none  to  come  near  her.  But  all  these 


ODK  XVI. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


79 


laughed  at  Acrisius,  the  anxious  keeper  of  the  immured 
maiden : [for  they  well  knew]  that  the  way  would  bo  safe 
and  open,  after  the  god  had  transformed  himself  into  a bribe. 
Gold  delights  to  penetrate  through  the  midst  of  guards,  and  to 
break  through  stone-walls,  more  potent  than  the  thunderbolt. 
The  family  of  the  Grecian  augur62  perished,  immersed  in  de- 
struction on  account  of  lucre.  The  man  of  Macedon63  cleft 
the  gates  of  the  cities  and  subverted  rival  monarchs  by  bribery. 
Bribes  enthrall  fierce  captains  of  ships.  Care,  and  a thirst  for 
greater  things,  is  the  consequence  of  increasing  wealth.  There- 
fore, Maecenas,  thou  glory  of  the  [Roman]  knights,  I have 
justly  dreaded  to  raise  the  far-conspicuous  head.  As  much 
more  as  any  man  shall  deny  himself,  so  much  more  shall  he 
receive  from  the  gods.  Naked  as  I am,  I seek  the  camps  of 
those  who  covet  nothing ; and  as  a deserter,  rejoice  to  quit  the 
side  of  the  wealthy:  a more  illustrious  possessor  of  a con- 
temptible fortune,  than  if  I could  be  said  to  treasure  up  in 
my  granaries  all  that  the  industrious  Apulian  cultivates,  poor 
amid  abundance  of  wealth.  A rivulet  of  clear  water,  and  a 
wood  of  a few  acres,  and  a certain  prospect  of  my  good  crop,64 

precautions  were  of  no  effect ; for  Proetus,  the  king’s  brother,  finding 
means  to  corrupt  the  guards,  got  access  to  Danae,  who  did  not  long  re- 
sist his  solicitations : which,  as  soon  as  her  father  knew,  he  caused  her 
to  be  shut  up  in  a chest,  and  cast  her  into  the  sea,  with  her  son  Perseus. 
But  being  found  by  a poor  fisherman  of  Apulia,  she  was  carried  to  king 
Pilumnus,  who  afterward  married  her.  When  her  son  Perseus  came 
to  be  of  age,  and  had  cut  off  the  Gorgon’s  head,  he  went  to  Argos,  and 
turned  his  grandfather  Acrisius  into  a stone.  Watson. 

62  Eriphile  discovered  to  her  brother  Edrastus,  where  her  husband 
Amphiaraus  had  concealed  himself,  that  he  might  not  be  obliged  to  go  to 
the  war  of  Thebes,  from-  whence  he  knew  that  he  should  never  return. 
She  received  a necklace  of  pearl  as  the  price  of  her  treachery ; and  Am- 
phiaraus went  to  the  siege,  where  he  was  slain.  Her  son  Alcmseon,  in 
revenge  for  his  father,  put  her  to  death,  and  he  was  afterward  killed  by 
his  uncle  in  vengeance  for  their  sister.  Thus  Horace  justly  says,  that 
the  avarice  of  one  woman  was  the  ruin  of  the  whole  family.  Lamb. 

63  Philip  was  advised  by  the  oracle  of  Apollo  to  fight  with  golden 
spears,  and  it  was  one  of  his  maxims,  that  no  fortress  was  impregnable 
into  which  an  ass  could  enter  laden  with  gold.  Fran. 

64  Segetis  fides.  This  passage  is  particularly  difficult,  yet  deserves  to 
be  carefully  explained.  First,  rivus,  sylva,  and  fides  are  all  to  be  applied 
to  one  common  verb  fallit , a manner  of  writing  very  usual  in  Horace. 
Secondly,  Africce  is  governed  both  of  imperio  and  sorte.  Fulgens  imperio 
Africce  is  a paraphrase  for  the  proconsul  of  Africa,  and  sors  Africce  sig- 
nifies the  proconsulship  or  government  of  that  province.  The  Latins 


80 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  llu 


are  blessings  unknown  to  him  who  glitters  in  the  proconsul- 
ship  of  fertile  Africa : I am  more  happily  circumstanced. 
Though  neither  the  Calabrian  bees  produce  honey,  nor  wine 
ripens  to  age  for  me  in  a Formian  cask,  nor  rich  fleeces  in- 
creases in  Gallic  pastures ; yet  distressful  poverty  is  remote ; 
nor,  if  I desired  more,  would  you  refuse  to  grant  it  me.  I 
shall  be  better  able  to  extend  my  small  revenues,65  by  contract- 
ing my  desires,  than  if  I could  join  the  kingdom  of  Alyattes 
to  the  Phrygian  plains.  Much  is  wanting  to  those  who  covet 
much.  ’T  is  well  with  him  to  whom  God  has  given  what  is 
necessary  with  a sparing  hand. 


ODE  XVII. 

TO  DELIUS  LAMIA. 

O .^Eluts,  who  art  nobly  descended  from  the  ancient  Lamus 
(forasmuch  as  they  report,  that  both  the  £ rst  of  the  Lamian 
family  had  their  name  hence,  and  all  the  race  of  the  descend- 
ants through  faithful  records  derives  its  origin  from  that 
founder,  who  is  said  to  have  possessed,  as  prince,  the  Formian 
walls,  and  Liris  gliding  on  the  shores  of  Marica — an  exten- 

usually  said  sors  African;  sors  Macedonia ; sors  Provinciarum ; because 
their  governments  were  determined  by  lot.  Lastly,  fallit  does  not  signify 
latet  or  ignoratur,  but  opinione  sud  decipit.  The  terms  being  thus  ex- 
plained, the  construction  must  be  thus,  ager  mens  Sabinus  beatior  Africa 
sorte  obtentd  fallit  Africa  proconsulem.  The  proconsul  was  indebted  to 
chance  for  his  magistracy ; Horace  owed  his  farm  to  the  friendship  of 
Maecenas.  The  proconsul  believes  himself  more  happy  than  Horace-;  but 
he  is  deceived,  because  he  is  ignorant,  that  great  revenues  and  happi- 
ness are  very  different  things.  Perhaps  our  poet  intended  a stroke  of 
satire  upon  the  person  who  was  then  governor  of  Africa,  and  who  might 
have  owed,  like  him,  his  fortune  to  Maecenas.  Bentl.  San.  See  Orelli 
and  M’Caul. 

65  Vectigalia  porrigam.  We  shall  only  be  capable  of  explaining  this 
passage  by  regularly  pursuing  the  poet’s  reasoning.  “ By  contracting 
my  desires  I shall  more  largely  extend  my  little  fortune,  than  if  I could 
unite  the  kingdoms  of  Lydia  and  Phrygia  under  my  government.”  Vecti- 
galia signifies  the  revenues  or  income  of  an  estate,  and  may  not  im- 
properly be  used  for  the  estate  itself,  which  the  poet  thus  enlarges  by 
contracting  his  desires.  The  word  porrigere  frequently  signifies,  in  the 
best  authors,  to  extend,  to  stretch  out,  to  enlarge.  Fran. 


ODE  XVIII. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


81 


sivo  potentate).  To-morrow  a tempest  sent  from  the  east 
shall  strew  the  grove  with  many  leaves,  and  the  shore  with 
useless  sea-weed,  unless  that  old  prophetess  of  rain,  the  raven, 
deceives  me  Pile  up  the  dry  wood,  while  you  may ; to- 
morrow you  shall  indulge  your  genius  with  wine,  and  with  a 
pig  of  two  months  old,  with  your  slaves  dismissed  from  their 
labors. 


ODE  XVIII.66 

TO  FAUNUS. 

A HYMN. 

O Faunus,  thou  lover  of  the  flying  nymphs,  benignly  traverse 
my  borders  and  sunny  fields,  and  depart67  propitious  to  the 
young  offspring  of  my  flocks  ;68  if  a tender  kid  fall  [a  victim] 
to  thee  at  the  completion  of  the  year,  and  plenty  of  wines  be 
not  wanting  to  the  goblet,  the  companion  of  Venus,  and  the 
ancient  altar  smoke  with  liberal  perfume.  All  the  cattle  sport 
in  the  grassy  plain,  when  the  nones  of  December  return  to  thee; 

66  The  poet  invokes  the  presence  of  Faunus,  and  seeks  to  propitiate 
the  favor  of  the  god  toward  his  fields  and  flocks.  He  then  describes  the 
rustic  hilarity  of  the  day,  made  sacred,  at  the  commencement  of  winter, 
to  this  rural  divinity.  Faunus  had  two  festivals  ( Faunalia ),  one  on  the 
None  (5th)  of  December,  after  all  the  produce  of  the  year  had  been 
stored  away,  and  when  the  god  was  invoked  to  protect  it,  and  to  give 
health  and  fecundity  to  the  flocks  and  herds ; and  another  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  spring,  when  the  same  deity  was  propitiated  by  sacrifices ; 
that  he  might  preserve  and  foster  the  grain  committed  to  the  earth.  This 
second  celebration  took  place  on  the  Ides  (13th)  of  February.  Anthon. 

67  The  Romans  believed,  that  many  of  their  gods  passed  their  winter 
in  one  country  and  their  summer  in  another.  Faunus  was  of  this  num- 
ber. He  went  from  Arcadia  to  Italy  the  13th  of  February,  and  returned 
the  5th  of  December.  His  departure  and  return  were  celebrated  with 
sacrifices,  and  probably  this  ode  was  written  for  his  December  festival, 
from  whence  the  poet  says  dbeas.  Dac. 

68  Parvis  cequus  alumnis.  The  vulgar  believed  that  this  god  sent 
phantoms  and  specters  to  disturb  their  infants  in  the  night ; and  upon 
this  foundation  the  commentators  imagine  that  Horace  entreats  him  to 
spare  the  children  of  his  domestics.  But  by  alumnis , the  poet  means 
the  younglings  of  his  flocks,  which  had  most  occasion  for  the  protection 
of  the  god,  to  preserve  them  against  the  inclemency  of  the  approaching 
winter.  Bond. 

4* 


82 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  III. 


the  village  keeping  holiday  enjoys  leisure  in  the  fields,  together 
with  the  oxen  free  from  toil.  The  wolf  wanders  among  the 
fearless  lambs ; the  wood  scatters  its  rural  leaves  for  thee,  and 
the  laborer  rejoices  to  have  beaten  the  hated  ground  in  triple 
dance. 


ODE  XIX.G3 

* TO  TELEPHUS. 

How  far  Codrus,  who  was  not  afraid  to  die  for  his  country, 
is  removed  from  Inachus,  and  the  race  of  AEacus,  and  the  bat- 
tles also  that  were  fought  at  sacred  Troy — [these  subjects]  you 
descant  upon ; but  at  what  price  we  may  purchase  a hogshead 
of  Chian  ; who  shall  warm  the  water  [for  bathing] ; who  finds 
a house  : and  at  what  hour  I am  to  get  rid  of  these  Pelignian 
colds,  you  are  silent.  Give  me,  boy,  [a  bumper]  for  the  new 
moon  in  an  instant,  give  me  one  for  midnight,  and  one  for 
Murena70  the  augur.71  Let  our  goblets  be  mixed  up  with  three 

69  A party  of  friends,  among  whom  was  Horace,  intended  to  celebrate, 
by  a feast  of  contribution  ( ipavoq),  the  recent  appointment  of  Murena  to 
the  office  of  augur.  Telephus,  one  of  the  number,  was  conspicuous  for 
his  literary  labors,  and  had  been  for  some  time  occupied  in  composing  a 
history  of  Greece.  At  a meeting  of  these  friends,  held,  as  a matter  of 
course,  in  order  to  make  arrangements  for  the  approaching  banquet,  it 
may  be  supposed  that  Telephus,  wholly  engrossed  with  his  pursuits,  had 
introduced  some  topic  of  an  historical  nature,  much  to  the  annoyance  of 
the  bard.  The  latter  therefore  breaks  out,  as  it  were,  with  an  exhorta- 
tion to  his  companion,  to  abandon  matters  so  foreign  to  the  subject  under 
discussion,  and  attend  to  things  of  more  immediate  importance.  Pres- 
ently, fancying  himself  already  in  the  midst  of  the  feasts,  he  issues  his 
edicts  as  symposiarch,  and  regulates  the  number  of  cups  to  be  drunk  in 
honor  of  the  Moon,  of  Night,  and  of  the  augur  Murena.  Then,  as  if 
impatient  of  delay,  he  bids  the  music  begin,  and  orders  the  roses  to  be 
scattered.  The  ode  terminates  with  a gay  allusion  to  Telephus.  Anth. 
This  ode  was  evidently  written  before  '732,  in  which  year  Murena,  with 
Fannius  Cepio,  conspired  against  Augustus.  Orell. 

7U  Murena,  This  is  the  same  Lucinius  Murena,  who  was  brother-in- 
law  to  Maecenas,  and  afterward  conspired  against  Augustus.  Watson. 

71  The  college  of  augurs  was  instituted  at  Rome  by  Numa.  They 
were  at  first  only  four  in  number,  all  patricians.  The  commons  being 
afterward  admitted  to  the  same  honor,  they  were  increased  to  nine.  In 
fine,  Sylla  added  six  more,  and  made  the  number  fifteen.  It  was  an 


ODE  XX. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


83 


or  nine  cups,  according  to  every  one’s  disposition.  The  en- 
raptured bard,  who  delights  in  the  odd-numbered  muses,  shall 
call  for  brimmers  thrice  three.  Each  of  the  Graces/3  in  con- 
junction with  the  naked  sisters,  fearful  of  broils,  prohibits  up- 
ward of  three.  It  is  my  pleasure  to  rave  ;73  why  cease  the 
breathings  of  the  Phrygian  flute  ? Why  is  the  pipe  hung  up 
with  the  silent  lyre  ? I hate  your  niggardly  handfuls : strew 
roses  freely.  Let  the  envious  Lycus  hear  the  jovial  noise  ; and 
let  our  fair  neighbor,  ill-suited  to  the  old  Lycus,  [hear  it.]  The 
ripe  Rhode  aims  at  thee,  Telephus,  smart  with  thy  bushy  locks  ; 
at  thee,  bright  as  the  clear  evening  star ; the  love  of  my  Gly- 
cera  slowly  consumes  me. 


ODE  XX. 

TO  PYRRHUS. 

Do  you  not  perceive,  O Pyrrhus,  at  what  hazard  you  are 
taking  away  the  whelps  from  a Gutulian  lioness  ? In  a little 
while  you,  a timorous  ravisher,  shall  fly  from  the  severe  en- 
gagement, when  she  shall  march  through  the  opposing  band 
of  youths,  re-demanding  her  beauteous  Nearchus ; a grand 
contest,  whether  a greater  share  of  booty  shall  fall  to  thee  or 
to  her ! In  the  mean  time,  while  you  produce  your  swift  arrows, 
she  whets  her  terrific  teeth  ; while  the  umpire  of  the  combat  is 
reported  to  have  placed  the  palm  under  his  naked  foot,  and  re- 
freshed his  shoulder,  overspread  with  his  perfumed  locks,  with 
the  gentle  breeze : just  such  another  was  Nireus,  or  he  that 
was  ravished  from  the  watery  Ida.74 

office  of  the  highest  consideration,  because  it  was  in  their  power  to  ren- 
der fruitless  all  the  resolutions  and  debates  of  the  senate  and  people. 
Watson. 

72  Gratia : “ tres  Gratiae  junctae.”  Od.  iv.  *7,  5,  “ Gratia  cum  nym- 
phis  geminisque  sororibus.”  Od.  i.  30,  5,  “ solutis  Gratiae  zonis.” 
Orelli. 

73  Insanire  juvat.  Horace  now  leaves  the  two  modest  Graces,  and 
rises  in  his  good-humor ; for,  after  having  ordered  a certain  number  of 
glasses,  he  now  drinks  without  number  or  measure.  Cruq. 

74  Mount  Ida;  a high  hill  in  Phrygia,  not  far  from  Troy,  famous  for 
the  controversy  of  Pallas,  Juno,  and  Yenus,  about  the  apple  of  discord, 
which  was  adjudged  to  Yenus  by  Paris.  Watson. 


84 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  HI. 


ODE  XXL 

TO  HIS  JAR. 

0 thou  goodly  cask,  that  wast  brought  to  light  at  the  same 
time  with  me  in  the  consulship  of  Manlius,  whether  thou  con- 
tainest  the  occasion  of  complaint,  or  jests,  or  broils  and  mad- 
dening amours,  or  gentle  sleep ; under  whatever  title  thou  pre- 
servest  the  choice  Massic,  worthy  to  be  removed  on  an  auspi- 
cious day ; descend,75  Corvinus  bids  me  draw  the  mellowest 
wine.  He,  though  he  is  imbued  in  the  Socratic  lectures,  will 
not  morosely  reject  thee.  The  virtue  even  of  old  Cato  is  re- 
corded to  have  been  frequently  warmed  with  wine.  Thou  ap- 
pliest  a gentle  violence  to  that  disposition,  which  is  in  general 
of  the  rougher  cast.  Thou  revealest  the  cares  and  secret  de- 
signs of  the  wise,  by  the  assistance  of  merry  Bacchus.  You 
restore  hope  and  spirit  to  anxious  minds,76  and  give  horns77  to 
the  poor  man,  who  after  [tasting]  you  neither  dreads  the  dia- 
dems of  enraged  monarchs,  nor  the  weapons  of  the  soldiers. 
Thee  Bacchus,  and  Venus,  if  she  comes  in  good-humor,  and  the 
Graces  loth  to  dissolve  the  knot  [of  their  union],7*  and  living 
lights  shall  prolong,  till  returning  Phoebus  puts  the  stars  to 
flight. 


ODE  XXII. 

TO  DIANA. 

O virgin,  protectress  of  the  mountains  and  the  groves,  thou 

75  The  Romans  had  their  wine-cellars  at  the  top  of  their  houses,  that 
their  wines  might  ripen  sooner  by  the  smoke.  Cruq. 

76  Tormentum  ingenio  admoves.  “You  offer  an  agreeable  violence  to 
the  mind.”  It  is  a metaphor  taken  from  war,  when  a town  was  assault- 
ed with  batteries  and  machines.  Others  understand  it  of  giving  the  tor- 
ture to  criminals  to  force  a secret  from  them,  and  Doctor  Bentley  explains 
it,  as  if  wine  gave  an  eloquence  and  facility  to  the  most  heavy,  barren 
understanding.  Fran. 

77  The  expression  cornua  addis  is  one  of  a proverbial  character.  Con- 
sult note  on  Ode  ii.  19,  29.  The  “ horn”  was  the  symbol  of  power  among 
all  the  eastern  nations.  See  1 Samuel,  ii.  1 ; Luke  i.  69.  Anthon. 

78  i.  e . “never  dissolving  it.”  Eurip.  Hippol.  1147,  xupLT£S  ov&yiai. 
Orelli. 


ODE  XXIII. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


85 


three-formed  goddess,  who  thrice  invoked,79  hearest  young 
women  in  labor,  and  savest  them  from  death ; sacred  to  thee  be 
this  pine  that  overshadows  my  villa,  which  I,  at  the  completion 
of  every  year,  joyful  will  present  with  the  blood  of  a boar-pig, 
just  meditating  his  oblique  attack. 


ODE  XXIII. 

TO  PHIDYLE. 

Mr  rustic  Phidyle,  if  you  raise  your  suppliant  hands80  to  heav- 
en at  the  new  moon,  and  appease  the  household  gods  with 
frankincense,  and  this  year’s  fruits,81  and  a ravening  swine  ; the 
fertile  vine  shall  neither  feel  the  pestilential  south-west,  nor  the 
corn  the  barren  blight,  or  your  dear  brood  the  sickly  season  in 
the  fruit-bearing  autumn.89  For  the  destined  victim,  which  is 
pastured  in  the  snowy  Algidus  among  the  oaks  and  holm  trees, 
or  thrives  in  the  Albanian  meadows,  with  its  throat  shall  stain 
the  axes  of  the  priests.  It  is  not  required  of  you,  who  are 
crowning  our  little  gods  with  rosemary  and  the  brittle  myrtle, 
to  propitiate  them  with  a great  slaughter  of  sheep.  If  an  in- 
nocent hand  touches  a clear,  a magnificeut  victim  does  not  pa- 
cify the  offended  Penates  more  acceptably,  than  a consecrated 
cake  and  crackling  salt. 

79  Ter  vocata.  Horace  mentions  the  number  three,  because  it  was  al- 
ways a mysterious  number,  or  because  women  in  labor  invoked  the  god- 
dess by  three  principal  names.  In  the  next  line  she  is  called  triformis , 
as  she  was  Luna  in  heaven,  Diana  upon  earth,  and  Proserpine  in  hell ; 
from  whence  she  was  painted  with  three  heads,  one,  of  a lion,  another, 
of  a bull,  and  the  third  of  a dog.  San. 

80  This  was  the  usual  gesture  of  the  ancients  when  they  prayed ; but 
with  this  difference,  that  when  they  addressed  themselves  to  the  celestial 
gods  they  held  the  palms  of  their  hands  upward,  as  if  to  receive  a 
blessing ; but  turned  them  toward  the  earth  in  their  prayers  to  the  in- 
fernal gods,  as  if  to  avert  an  evil.  Cruq. 

81  Horna,  i.  e.  “ spicis  hornotinis,  hujus  anni.”  Orelli. 

82  “ Annus”==*“  tempestas.”  Cf.  Epod.  ii.  39.  Yirg.  Eel.  iii.  87. 


86 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IIL 


ODE  XXIV. 

TO  THE  COVETOUS.63 

Though,  more  wealthy  than  the  unrifled  treasures  of  the 
Arabians  and  rich  India,  you  should  possess  yourself  by  your 
edifices84  of  the  whole  Tyrrhenian  and  Apulian  seas ; yet,  if 
cruel  fate  fixes  its  adamantine  grapples  upon  the  topmost  roofs, 
you  shall  not  disengage  your  mind  from  dread,  nor  your  life 
from  the  snares  of  death.85  The  Scythians  that  dwell  in  the 
plains,  whose  carts,  according  to  their  custom,  draw  their  va- 
grant habitations,  live  in  a better  manner ; and  [so  do]  the 
rjugh  Getse,  whose  uncircumscribed  acres  produce  fruits  and 
coin  free  to  all,  nor  is  a longer  than  annual  tillage  agreeable, 
an  I a successor  relieves  him  who  has  accomplished  his  labor  by 
an  equal  right.  There  the  guiltless  wife  spares  her  motherless 
step-children,  nor  does  the  portioned  spouse  govern  her  hus- 
band, or  put  any  confidence  in  a sleek  adulterer.  Their  dower 
is  the  high  virtue  of  their  parents,  and  a chastity  reserved  from 
any  other  man  by  a steadfast  security ; and  it  is  forbidden  to 
sin,  or  the  reward  is  death.  O if  there  be  any  one  willing  to 
remove  our  impious  slaughters,  and  civil  rage  ; if  he  be  desirous 
to  be  written  father  of  the  state,  on  statues  [erected  to  him], 
let  him  dare  to  curb  insuperable  licentiousness,  and  be  eminent 
to  posterity;  since  we  (O  injustice  !)  detest  virtue  while  living, 
but  invidiously  seek  for  her  after  she  is  taken  out  of  our  view. 
To  what  purpose  are  our  woeful  complaints,  if  sin  is  not  cut 
off  with  punishment  ? Of  what  efficacy  are  empty  laws,  with- 
out morals  ; if  neither  that  part  of  the  world  which  is  shut  in 
by  fervent  heats,  nor  that  side  which  borders  upon  Boreas, 
and  snows  hardened  upon  the  ground,  keep  off  the  merchant ; 

83  It  appears  by  the  twenty-sixth  verse,  that  this  ode  was  written  be- 
fore the  year  124,  which  ended  the  civil  wars;  at  least  it  preceded  the 
expedition  of  Arabia  in  127.  San. 

84  The  terra  ccementa,  quasi  ccedimenta , literally  means  “ stones  for  fill- 
ing up.”  Here,  however,  it  refers  to  the  structures  reared  on  these  arti- 
ficial foundations. 

85  The  poet  here  represents  death  armed  with  a net,  which  he  throws 
over  the  heads  of  those  whom  he  attacks.  This  image  is  taken  from  tho 
gladiators  called  Retiarii , whose  antagonists  had  the  figure  of  a fish 
upon  a helmet,  from  whence  they  used  in  their  combats  to  sing  “ Non  to 
peto,  piscem  peto?  Quid  me  fugis,  Galle?”  Dac. 


ODE  XXV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


87 


[and]  the  expert  sailors  get  the  better  of  the  horrible  seas? 
Poverty,  a great  reproach,  impels  us  both  to  do  and  to  suffer 
any  thing,  and  deserts  the  path  of  difficult  virtue.  Let  us, 
then,  cast  our  gems  and  precious  stones  and  useless  gold, 
the  cause  of  extreme  evil,  either  into  the  Capitol,  whither 
the  acclamations  and  crowd  of  applauding  [citizens]  call  us, 
or  into  the  adjoining  ocean.  If  we  are  truly  penitent  for 
our  enormities,  the  very  elements  of  depraved  lust  are  to  be 
erased, % and  the  minds  of  too  soft  a mold  should  be  formed 
by  severer  studies.  The  noble  youth  knows  not  how  to  keep 
his  seat  on  horseback88  and  is  afraid  to  go  a hunting,  more 
skilled  to  play  (if  you  choose  it)  with  the  Grecian  trochus,87 
or  dice,  prohibited  by  law  ;88  while  the  father’s  perjured  faith 
can  deceive  his  partner  and  friend,  and  he  hastens  to  get 
money  for  an  unworthy  heir.  In  a word,  iniquitous  wealth 
increases,  yet  something  is  ever  wanting  to  the  incomplete  for- 
tune. 


ODE  XXV.89 

TO  BACCHUS. 

A DITHYRAMBIC. 

Whither,90  0 Bacchus,  art  thou  hurrying  me,  replete  with 

88  To  remedy  this  evil,  Augustus  revived  the  mock-fights,  which  wero 
carried  by  Ascanius  to  Italy,  and  which  afterward  continued  to  the  time 
of  Claudius  Caesar.  Fran. 

87  At  the  Grecian  trochus.  It  was  formerly  thought  that  this  was 
the  same  with  the  play  of  the  top,  or  rather  that  of  billiards  ; but  this 
notion  is  now  generally  exploded.  The  trochus  was  properly  an  iron 
hoop,  of  five  or  six  feet  diameter,  set  round  with  rings.  Kennet,  in  his 
Roman  Antiquities,  tells  us,  that  the  boys  and  young  men  used  to  whirl 
this  along,  as  our  children  do  wooden  hoops,  directing  it  with  a rod  of 
iron,  having  a wooden  handle ; which  rod  the  Grecians  called  eTiarf/p, 
and  the  Romans  radius.  There  was  need  of  great  dexterity  to  guide 
the  hoop  right.  In  the  mean  time,  the  rings,  by  the  clattering  which 
they  made,  not  only  gave  the  people  notice  to  keep  out  of  the  way,  but 
contributed  very  much  to  the  boys’  diversion.  Watson. 

88  All  games  of  hazard  were  forbidden  by  several  laws,  except  during 
the  Saturnalia.  Fran. 

89  As  to  the  date  of  this  ode,  we  can  only  be  assured,  that  it  was  com- 
posed before  the  consecration  of  Octavius,  and  perhaps  it  was  written 
for  his  consecration,  in  the  year  125.  San. 

90  The  poet,  recovering  from  the  strong  influence  of  the  god,  and  sur- 


88 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IIL 


your  influence  ? Into  what  groves,  into  what  recesses  am  I 
driven,  actuated  with  uncommon  spirit  ? In  what  caverns, 
meditating  the  immortal  honor  of  illustrious  Caesar,  shall  I be 
heard  enrolling  him  among  the  stars  and  the  council  of  Jove  ? 
I will  utter  something  extraordinary,  new,  hitherto  unsung  by 
any  other  voice.  Thus  the  sleepless  Bacchanal  is  struck  with 
enthusiasm,  casting  her  eyes  upon  Hebrus,  and  Thrace  bleached 
with  snow,  and  Rhodope  traversed  by  the  feet  of  barbarians. 
How  am  I delighted  in  my  rambles,  to  admire  the.  rocks 
and  the  desert  grove ! O lord  of  the  Naiads  and  the  Bac- 
chanalian women,  who  are  able  with  their  hands  to  over- 
throw lofty  ash-trees  ;81  nothing  little,  nothing  low,  nothing 
mortal  will  I sing.  Charming  is  the  hazard,  O Bacchus,  to 
accompany  the  god,  who  binds  his  temples  with  the  verdant 
vine-leaf. 


ODE  XXVI. 

TO  VENUS. 

I lately  lived  a proper  person  for  girls,  and  campaigned  it 
not  without  honor ; but  now  this  wall,  which  guards  the  left 
side  of  [the  statue]  of  sea-born  Venus,  shall  have  my  arms92 

veying  with  alarm  the  arduous  nature  of  the  theme  to  which  he  has 
dared  to  approach,  compares  himself  to  the  Bacchant,  whom  the  stern 
power  of  the  deity,  which  she  serves,  has  driven  onward,  in  that  blind 
career,  through  many  a strange  and  distant  region.  Awakening  from 
the  deep  slumber  into  which  exhausted  nature  had  at  length  been  com- 
pelled to  sink,  she  finds  herself;  when  returning  recollection  comes  to 
her  aid,  on  the  remote  mountain-tops,  far  from  her  native  scenes,  and 
gazes  in  silent  wonder  on  the  prospect  before  her ; the  dark  Hebrus,  the 
snow-clad  fields  of  Thrace,  and  the  chain  of  Rhodope  rearing  its  sum- 
mits to  the  skies.  Few  passages  can  be  cited  from  any  ancient  or  mod- 
ern writer  containing  more  of  the  true  spirit  of  poetry.  Anthon. 

Probably  alluding  to  the  story  of  Pentheus.  Cf.  Eur.  Bacch.  1109. 

92  Ovid  tells  us,  that  every  lover  is  a soldier,  militat  omnis  amans;  and 
as  the  ancients  were  accustomed  to  consecrate  their  arms  to  Mars,  when 
they  quitted  the  trade  of  war ; so  the  poet  here  dedicates  to  Yenus  his 
lyre,  his  torches,  and  bows.  He  hangs  up  his  midnight  arms  upon  the 
eastern  wall  of  her  temple,  on  the  left  side  of  the  goddess ; for  the  sta- 
tues of  the  gods  were  placed  in  such  a manner  as  to  look  toward  the 
south ; so  that  the  east,  which  was  always  esteemed  the  happy  quarter 
of  the  heavens,  was  upon  their  left  hand.  Lamb. 


ODE  XXVII. 


ODES  OP  HORACE. 


89 


and  my  lyre  discharged  from  warfare.  Ilere,  hero,  deposit 
the  shining  flambeaux,  and  the  wrenching  irons,  and  the  bows, 
that  threatened  the  resisting  doors.  O thou  goddess,  who  pos- 
sessest  the  blissful  Cyprus,  and  Memphis  free  from  Sithonian 
sonw,  O queen,  give  the  haughty  Chloe  one  cut  with  your  high- 
raised  lasli. 


ODE  XXVII. 

TO  GALATEA,  UPON  HER  GOING  TO  SEA. 

Let  the  omen  of  the  noisy  screech-owl  and  a pregnant  bitch, 
or  a tawny  wolf  running  down  frem  the  Lanuvian  fields,  or  a 
fox  with  whelp  conduct  the  impious  [on  their  way]  ; may  the 
serpent  also  break  their  undertaken  journey,  if,  like  an  arrow 
athwart  the  road,  it  has  frightened  the  horses.  What  shall  I, 
a provident  augur,  fear  ? I will  invoke  from  the  east,  with 
my  prayers,  the  raven  foreboding  by  his  croaking,  before 
the  bird  which  presages  impending  showers,  revisits  the  stag- 
nant pools.  Mayest  thou  be  happy,  O Galatea,  wheresoever 
thou  choosest  to  reside,  and  live  mindful  of  me : and  neither 
the  unlucky  pye  nor  the  vagrant  crow  forbids  your  going  on. 
But  you  see,  with  what  an  uproar  the  prone  Orion  hastens  on : 
I know03  what  the  dark  bay  of  the  Adriatic  is,  and  in  what 
manner  Iapyx,  [seemingly]  serene,  is  guilty.  Let  the  wives 
and  children  of  our  enemies  feel  the  blind  tumults  of  the 
rising  south,  and  the  roaring  of  the  blackened  sea,  and  the 
shores  trembling  with  its  lash.  Thus  too  Europa94  trusted 
her  fair  side  to  the  deceitful  bull,  and  bold  as  she  was,  turned 
pale  at  the  sea  abounding  with  monsters,  and  the  cheat  now 
become  manifest.  She,  who  lately  in  the  meadows  was  busied 

93  Horace  knew  the  Adriatic  Sea  in  his  voyage  to  Athens,  when  he 
went  to  study  philosophy  there ; and  a second  time,  in  his  return  to 
Italy,  after  the  battle  of  Philippi.  Fran. 

94  Galatea  was  preparing  to  embark,  because  the  skies  were  serene, 
and  the  seas  calm ; but  Horace  tells  her  that  Europa  was  deceived  by 
the  same  serenity  of  the  skies  and  calmness  of  the  seas ; that  she  soon 
had  reason  to  repent  of  her  boldness,  when  she  saw  nothing  round  her 
but  stars  and  waves.  Such  is  the  force  and  justness  of  the  comparison. 
Tore. 


90 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  111. 


about  flowers,  and  a composer  of  the  chaplet  meet  for  nymphs, 
saw  nothing  in  the  dusky  night  but  stars  and  water.  Who 
as  soon  as  she  arrived  at  Crete,  powerful  with  its  hundred 
cities,  cried  out,  overcome  with  rage,  “ O father,  name  aban- 
doned by  thy  daughter  !96  O my  duty ! Whence,  whither 
am  I come  ? One  death  is  too  little  for  virgins’  crime.  Am 
I awake,  while  I deplore  my  base  offense ; or  does  some  vain 
phantom,  which,  escaping90  from  the  ivory  gate,  brings  on  a 
dream,  impose  upon  me,  still  free  from  guilt  ? Was  it  better 
to  travel  over  the  tedious  waves,  or  to  gather  the  fresh  flow- 
ers ? If  anyone  now  would  deliver  up  to  me  in  my  anger 
this  infamous  bull,  1 would  do  my  utmost  to  tear  him  to  pieces 
with  steel,  and  break  off  the  horns  of  the  monster,  lately  so 
much  beloved.  Abandoned  I have  left  my  father’s  house, 
abandoned  I procrastinate  my  doom.  O if  any  of  the  gods 
hear  this,  I wish  I may  wander  naked  among  lions  : before 
foul  decay  seizes  my  comely  cheeks,  and  moisture  leaves  this 
tender  prey,  I desire,  in  all  my  beauty,  to  be  the  food  of 
tigers.”  “Base  Europa,”  thy  absent  father  urges,  “why  do 
you  hesitate  to  die  ? you  may  strangle97  your  neck  suspended 
from  this  ash,  with  your  girdle  that  has  commodiously  at- 
tended you.  Or  if  a precipice,  and  the  rocks  that  are  edged 
with  death,  please  you,  come  on,  commit  yourself  to  the  rapid 
storm ; unless  you,  that  are  of  blood-royal,  had  rather  card 
your  mistress’s  wool,98  and  be  given  up  as  a concubine  to  some 
barbarian  dame.”  As  she  complained,  the  treacherously- 
smiling  Venus,  and  her  son,  with  his  bow  relaxed,  drew  near. 
Presently,  when  she  had  sufficiently  rallied  her,  “ Refrain  (she 
cried)  from  your  rage  and  passionate  chidings,  since  this  de- 
tested bull  shall  surrender  his  horns  to  be  torn  in  pieces  by 

95  “ Filige”  is  a Grecism  for  “ a Alia.” 

98  Dreams  of  falsehood,  according  to  Homer,  passed  through  an  ivory- 
gate  in  the  infernal  world ; and  those  of  truth  through  a gate  of  horn. 
Fran. 

97  Hanging  was  the  common  death  of  ancient  heroines  in  tragedy  and 
history.  Arsace,  in  Heliodorus ; J ocasta  and  Antigone,  in  Sophocles ; 
Phaedra,  in  Euripides ; Amata,  in  Virgil ; and  the  wife  of  Mithridates,  in 
Plutarch,  died  in  this  manner.  Dac. 

93  Pensum  was  properly  a certain  quantity  of  wool,  which  was  every 
day  given  to  female  slaves  for  their  task.  It  was  weighed,  from  whence 
it  was  called  pensum,  which  afterward  became  a name  for  any  regular ' 
and  ordinary  work.  From  hence  the  proverb  persolvere  pensum,  to  do 
our  duty.  Crijq. 


ODE  XXVIII.  XXIX. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


91 


you.  Are  you  ignorant,  that  you  are  the  wife  of  the  invinci- 
ble Jove  ? Cease  your  sobbing;  learn  duly  to  support  your  dis- 
tinguished good  fortune.  A division  of  the  world  shall  bear 
your  name. 


ODE  XXVIII. 

TO  LYDE. 

What  can  I do  better  on  the  festal  day  of  Neptune  ? Quick- 
ly" produce,  Lyde,  the  hoarded  Csecuban,  and  niake  an  attack 
upon  wisdom,  ever  on  her  guard.  You  perceive  the  noontide 
is  on  its  decline  ; and  yet,  as  if  the  fleeting  day  stood  still,  you 
delay  to  bring  out  of  the  store-house  the  loitering  cask,  [that 
bears  its  date]  from  the  consul  Bibulus.  We  will  sing  by 
turns,  Neptune,  and  the  green  locks  of  the  Nereids ; you  shall 
chant,  on  your  wreathed  lyre,  Latona  and  the  darts  of  the 
nimble  Cynthia  ; at  the  conclusion  of  your  song,  she  also  [shall 
be  celebrated],  who  with  her  yoked  swans  visits  Gnidos,  and 
the  shining  Cyclades,  and  Paphos : the  night  also  shall  be  cele- 
brated in  a suitable  lay. 


ODE  XXIX. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

O Maecenas,  thou  progeny  of  Tuscan  kings,  there  has  been  a 
long  while  for  you  in  my  house  some  mellow  wine  in  an  un- 
broached100 hogshead,  with  rose-flowers  and  expressed  essence 
for  your  hair.  Disengage  yourself  from  any  thing  that  may 
retard  you,  nor  contemplate  the  ever  marshy  Tibur,  and  the 
sloping  fields  of  ^Esula,  and  the  hills  of  Telegonus  the  parri- 
cide. Leave  abundance,  which  is  the  source  of  daintiness, 
and  yon  pile  of  buildings  approaching  near  the  lofty  clouds  : 
cease  to  admire  the  smoke,  and  opulence,  and  noise  of  flour- 

99  “Strenua”  is  taken  adverbially,  =“  actively.” 

i°o  The  ancients  placed  their  casks  upon  the  bottom,  and  were  there- 
fore obliged  to  bend  them  forward  when  they  poured  out  their  wine. 
Cadum  vertere  and  crateras  vertere  are  expressions  of  the  same  kind. 
Tore. 


92 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IIL 


ishing  Rome.1  A change  is  frequently  agreeable  to  the 
rich,  and  a cleanly  meal  in  the  little  cottage  of  the  poor  has 
smoothed  an  anxious  brow  without  carpets  or  purple.  Now 
the  bright  father  of  Andromeda  displays  his  hidden  fire ; now 
Procyon  rages,  and  the  constellation  of  the  ravening  Lion,  as 
the  sun  brings  round  the  thirsty  season.  Now  the  weary 
shepherd  with  his  languid  flock  seeks  the  shade,  and  the  river, 
and  the  thickets  of  rough  Sylvanus ; and  the  silent  bank  is 
free  from  the  wandering  winds.  You  regard  what  constitu- 
tion may  suit  the  state,  and  are  in  an  anxious  dread  for  Rome, 
what  preparations  the  Seres  and  the  Bactrians  subject  to 
Cyrus,  and  the  factious  Tanais2  are  making.  A wise  deity 
shrouds  in  obscure  darkness  the  events  of  the  time  to  come, 
and  smiles  if  a mortal  is  solicitous  beyond  the  law  of  nature. 
Be  mindful  to  manage  duly  that  which  is  present.  What  re- 
mains goes  on  in  the  manner  of  the  river,  at  one  time  calmly 
gliding  in  the  middle  of  its  channel  to  the  Tuscan  Sea,  at 
another,  rolling  along  corroded  stones,  and  stumps  of  trees 
forced  away,  and  cattle,  and  houses,  not  without  the  noise  of 
mountains  and  neighboring  woods,  when  the  merciless  deluge 
enrages  the  peaceful  waters.  That  man  is  master  of  him- 
self and  shall  live  happy,  who  has  it  in  his  power  to  say, 
“ I have  lived  to-day : to-morrow  let  the  Sire  invest  the 
heaven,  either  with  a black  cloud,  or  with  clear  sunshine ; 
nevertheless  he  shall  not  render  ineffectual  what  is  past,  nor 
undo  or  annihilate  what  the  fleeting  hour  has  once  carried  off. 
Fortune,  happy  in  the  execution  of  her  cruel  office,  and  per- 
sisting to  play  her  insolent  game,  changes  uncertain  honors, 
indulgent  now  to  me,  by  and  by  to  another.  I praise  her, 
while  she  abides  by  me.  If  she  moves  her  fleet  wings,  I re- 
sign3 what  she  has  bestowed,  and  wrap  myself  up  in  my 

1 We  may  compute  how  great  the  noise  of  a city  must  have  been, 
which  reckoned  three  millions  of  inhabitants;  whose  circuit,  according 
to  Pliny,  including  the  suburbs,  was  forty-eight  miles ; and  where  the 
houses  might  be  raised  seven  stories,  each  of  them  ten  feet  high.  Lam- 
pridius  tells  us,  that  Heliogabalus  collected  ten  thousand  pound  weight 
of  cobwebs  in  Rome.  Fran. 

2 The  Scythians  and  Sarmatians,  who  bordered  upon  this  river,  were 
frequently  engaged  in  wars  with  each  other,  from  whence  the  poel  calls 
it  discors.  Lamb. 

3 Resigno  quce  dedit — is  a figurative  expression.  Resignare  properly 
signifies  to  unseal  or  open , in  opposition  to  signare.  It  is  here  to  bo  un- 
derstood, reddere , restituere , to  restore.  Lamb. 


ODE  XXX. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


93 


virtue,  and  court  honest  poverty  without  a portion.  It  is  no 
business  of  mine,  if  the  mast  groan  with  the  African  storms,  to 
have  recourse  to  piteous  prayers,4  and  to  make  a bargain  with 
my  vows,  that  my  Cyprian  and  Syrian  merchandize  may  not 
add  to  the  wealth  of  the  insatiable  sea.  Then  the  gale  and  the 
twin  Pollux  will  carry  me  safe  in  the  protection  of  a skiff  with 
two  oars,  through  the  tumultuous  JEgean  Sea. 


ODE  XXX. 

ON  HIS  OWN  WORKS. 

I have  completed  a monument  more  lasting  than  brass,  and 
more  sublime  than  the  regal  elevation  of  pyramids,  which 
neither  the  wasting  shower,  the  unavailing  north  wind,  nor  an 
innumerable  succession  of  years,  and  the  flight  of  seasons,  shall 
be  able  to  demolish.  I shall  not  wholly  die  ; but  a great  part 
of  me  shall  escape  Libitina.5  I shall  continually  be  renewed  in 
the  praises  of  posterity,  as  long  as  the  priest  shall  ascend  the 
Capitol  with  the  silent  [vestal]  virgin.  Where  the  rapid 
Aufidus  shall  murmur,  and  where  Daunus,6  poorly  supplied 
with  water,  ruled  over  a rustic  people,  I,  exalted  from  a low  de- 
gree, shall  be  acknowledged  as  having  originally  adapted  the 
iEolic  verse7  to  Italian  measures.  Melpomene,  assume  that 
pride  which  your  merits  have  acquired,  and  willingly  crown  my 
hair  with  the  Delphic  laurel. 

4 These  conditional  prayers,  which  virtue  blushes  for,  and  which  the 
gods  disregard,  are  by  Plato  called  T exvag  ejunofUKuC)  a merchant’s 
traffic;  and  by  Persius,  preces  emaces,  prayers  of  purchase.  Francis. 

5 This  was  the  goddess  who  presided  over  funerals.  She  is  called 
Venus  inferna  or  Epitymbia,  in  some  ancient  epitaphs,  and  reckoned 
among  the  infernal  deities.  A place  in  Rome,  as  the  ancient  Scholiast 
informs  us,  was  called  Libitina , where  the  undertaker  lived,  who  received 
a certain  piece  of  money  for  every  person  who  was  buried,  from  whence 
they  knew  the  number  of  their  dead.  Francis. 

6 This  Daunus  was  the  son  of  Pilumnus  and  Danae.  He  reigned 
over  Daunia,  and  gave  his  name  to  the  country.  Watson. 

7 In  this  poem,  which  ought  to  be  the  last  of  his  lyric  works,  the  poet 
shows  that  he  has  preserved  his  resolution  of  imitating  Alcseus  and 
Sappho,  which  he  mentioned  in  his  first  ode.  Nor  is  it  probable,  that 
he  could  have  so  frequently  boasted  of  being  the  first  who  formed  himself 
upon  an  imitation  of  the  Grecian  poets,  if  the  public  had  not  in  general 
acknowledged  his  claim.  San. 


THE  FOURTH  BOOK 


OF  THE 

ODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  I. 

TO  VENUS. 

After  a long  cessation,  O Venus,  again  are  you  stirring  up 
tumults  ? Spare  me,  I beseech  you,  I beseech  you.  I am  not 
the  man  I was  under  the  dominion  of  good-natured1  Cynara. 
Forbear,  O cruel  mother  of  soft  desires,  to  bend  one  border- 
ing upon  fifty,  now  too  hardened  for  soft  commands : go, 
whither  the  soothing  prayers  of  youths,  invoke  you.  More 
seasonably  may  you  revel  in  the  house  of  Paulus  Maximus, 
flying3  thither  with  your  splendid  swans,  if  you  seek  to  in- 
flame a suitable  breast.  For  he  is  both  noble  and  comely, 
and  by  no  means  silent  in  the  cause  of  distressed  defendants, 
and  a youth  of  a hundred  accomplishments  ; he  shall  bear  the 
ensigns  of  your  warfare  far  and  wide;  and  whenever,  more 

1 Bonce.  Horace  appears  to  intimate  by  this  epithet,  that  the  affee» 
tion  entertained  for  him  by  Cynara,  was  rather  pure  and  disinterested 
than  otherwise.  The  word  is  often  used  in  the  sense  of  “ generous/’ 
“ unrapacious.”  Comp.  Tibull.  ii.  4,  45,  “At  bona,  quae  nec  avara  fuit.” 
Anthon. 

2 j Purpureis  ales  oloribus.  The  allusion  is  to  the  chariot  of  Venus, 
drawn  by  swans ; and  hence  the  term  ales  is,  by  a bold  and  beautiful 
figure,  applied  to  the  goddess  herself,  meaning  literally  “winged.”  As 
regards  purpureis , it  must  be  remarked  that  the  ancients  called  any 
strong  and  vivid  color  by  the  name  of  purpureus,  because  that  was  their 
richest  color.  Thus  we  have  purpurece  comae , purpureus  capillus,  lumen 
juventce  purpureum,  etc.  Compare  Yirgil,  HSn.  i.  591.  Albinovanus  (El. 
ii.  62)  even  goes  so  far  as  to  apply  the  term  to  snow.  The  usage  of 
modern  poetry  is  not  dissimilar.  Thus  Spencer,  “ The  Morrow  next  ap- 
peared with  purple  hair;”  and  Milton,  “waves  his  purple  wings.”  So 
also  Gray,  “The  bloom  of  young  desire  and  purple  light  of  love/ 
Wheeler. 


ODE  II. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


95 


prevailing  tlian  tho  amplo  presents  of  a rival,  he  shall  laugE 
[at  his  expense],  he  shall  erect  thee  in  marble  under  a citron 
dome  near  the  Alban  lake.  There  you  shall  smell  abundant 
frankincense,  and  shall  bo  charmed  with  the  mixed  music  of 
the  lyre  and  Berecynthian  pipe,3  not  without  the  flageolet. 
There  the  youths,  together  with  the  tender  maidens,4 5  twice  a 
day  celebrating  your  divinity,  shall,  Salian-like,  with  white 
foot  thrice  shake  the  ground.  As  for  me,  neither  woman,  nor 
youth,  nor  the  fond  hopes  of  mutual  inclination,  nor  to  con- 
tend in  wine,  nor  to  bind  my  temples  with  fresh  flowers,  de- 
light me  [any  longer].  But  why ; ah  ! why,  Ligurinus,  does 
the  tear  every  now  and  then  trickle  down  my  cheeks  ? Why 
does  my  fluent  tongue  falter  between  my  words  with  an  un- 
seemly silence?  Thee  in  my  dreams  by  night  I clasp,  caught 
[in  my  arms]  ; thee  flying  across  the  turf  of  the  Campus  Mar- 
tius  ; thee  I pursue,  O cruel  one,  through  the  rolling  waters. 


ODE  II. 

TO  ANTONIUS  IULUS.6 

Whoever  endeavors,  0 lulus,  to  rival  Pindar,  makes  an 
effort  on  wings  fastened  with  wax  by  art  Dsedalean,6  about 

3 The  music  in  the  temples  was  usually  composed  of  a voice,  one  lyre, 
one  or  two  flutes,  and  a flageolet.  There  was  at  Delos  a statue  of  Apollo, 
who  held  in  his  left  hand  his  bow  and  arrows,  and  on  his  right  the  three 
Graces,  each  with  an  instrument  in  her  hand.  The  first  held  a lyre,  tho 
second,  a flageolet,  and  the  third,  a flute.  Francis. 

4 The  ancients  had  not  any  children  educated  to  sing  in  their  temples, 
nor  employed  any  theatrical  performers,  but  chose  from  the  best  families 
a certain  number  of  young  people  of  both  sexes,  who  sung  until  others 
were  elected  to  succeed  them.  Dac. 

5 Julius  Antonius,  to  whom  the  present  ode  is  addressed,  was  the 
second  son  of  M.  Antonius  the  triumvir,  by  Fulvia,  born  about  a.  u.  c. 
DO.  He  was  brought  up  by  Octavia,  whose  daughter  Marcella  he  mar- 
ried. He  was  honored  with  the  praetorship,  A.  u.  c.  741,  and  the  con- 
sulate, 744.  In  752,  he  was  guilty  of  a gross  outrage  on  the  family  of 
Augustus,  by  committing  adultery  with  Julia.  Julia  was  banished,  con- 
sequently, to  the  island  Pandateria,  and  Julius  put  himself  to  death  by 
order  of  Augustus.  “Iulius  Antonius  rogaverat  Horatium,  ut  scripta 
Pindari  Graeca  in  laudem  Caesaris  transferee”  Schol.  Anthon. 

6 Daedalus.  A most  ingenious  artificer,  so  famous,  that  when  wo  would 


96 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IV. 


to  communicate  his  name  to  the  glassy  sea.  Like  a river 
pouring  down  from  a mountain,  which  sudden  rains  have  in- 
creased beyond  its  acccustomed  banks,  such  the  deep-mouthed 
Pindar  rages  and  rushes  on  immeasurable,  sure  to  merit 
Apollo’s  laurel,  whether  he  rolls  down  new-formed  phrases 
through  the  daring  dithyrambic,  and  is  borne  on  in  numbers 
exempt  from  rule : whether  he  sings  the  gods,  and  kings,  the 
offspring  of  the  gods,  by  whom  the  Centaurs  perished  with  a 
just  destruction,  [by  whom]  was  quenched  the  flame  of  the 
dreadful  Chimgera ; or  celebrates  those  whom  the  palm,  [in 
the  Olympic  games]  at  Elis,  brings  home  exalted  to  the  skies, 
wrestler  or  steed,  and  presents  them  with  a gift  preferable  to 
a hundred  statues:  or  deplores  some  youth,  snatched  [by 
death]  from  his  mournful  bride — he  elevates  both  his  strength, 
and  courage,  and  golden  morals  to  the  stars,  and  rescues  him 
from  the  murky  grave.7  A copious  gale  elevates  the  Dircean 
swan,  O Antonius,  as  often  as  he  soars  into  the  lofty  regions 
of  the  clouds  : but  I,  after  the  custom  and  manner  of  the  Ma- 
tinian  bee,  that  laboriously  gathers  the  grateful  thyme,  I,  a 
diminutive  creature,  compose  elaborate  verses  about  the  grove 
and  the  banks  of  the  watery  Tiber.  You,  a poet  of  sublimer 
style,  shall  sing  of  Caesar,  whenever,  graceful  in  his  well- 
earned  laurel,  he  shall  drag  the  fierce  Sygambri8  along  the 
sacred  hill ; Caesar,  than  whom  nothing  greater  or  better  the 
fates  and  indulgent  gods  ever  bestowed  on  the  earth,  nor  will 
bestow,  though  the  times  should  return  to  their  primitive 
gold.  You  shall  sing  both  the  festal  days,  and  the  public  re- 
joicings on  account  of  the  prayed-for  return0  of  the  brave 

commend  a thing  for  the  curiousness  of  the  work,  we  use  the  proverb 
Dcedali  opera.  He  lived  in  Crete,  at  the  court  of  king  Minos,  by  whose 
order  he  made  the  celebrated  labyrinth,  into  which  he  was  put  himself, 
because  he  had  discovered  the  windings  and  intricacies  of  it  to  Theseus. 
Watson. 

7 i.  e.  from  oblivion. 

8 Sicambros.  This  triumph,  which  the  poet  promises,  and  which  was 
designed  for  the  return  of  Augustus,  was  never  carried  into  execution. 
To  avoid  the  honors  intended  for  him,  he  entered  Rome  in  the  night, 
without  informing  the  senate  of  his  arrival.  He  went  the  next  day  to 
the  Capitol,  and,  taking  the  laurels  off  his  statues,  placed  them  at  the 
feet  of  Jupiter. 

9 During  the  absence  of  Augustus  vows  were  made  to  the  gods  for 
his  return,  which  the  new  consuls  repeated  in  741  by  decree  of  the 
senate,  as  appears  by  medals  and  inscriptions.  Torr. 


ODE  IIL 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


97 


Augustus,  and  the  forum  free  from  law-suits.  Then  (if  I can 
offer  any  thing  worth  hearing)  a considerable  portion  of  my 
voice  shall  join  [the  general  acclamation],  and  I will  sing, 
happy  at  the  reception  of  Caesar,  “ O glorious  day,  O worthy 
thou  to  be  celebrated.”  And  while  [the  procession]  moves 
along,  shouts  of  triumph  we  will  repeat,  shouts  of  triumph  the 
whole  city  [will  raise],  and  we  will  offer  frankincense  to  the 
indulgent  gods.  Thee  ten  bulls  and  as  many  heifers  shall 
absolve ; me,  a tender  steerling,  that,  having  left  his  dam, 
thrives  in  spacious  pastures  for  the  discharge  of  my  vows,  re- 
sembling [by  the  horns  on]  his  forehead  the  curved  light  of 
the  moon,  when  she  appears  of  three  days  old,  in  which  part 
he  has  a mark  of  a snowy  aspect,  being  of  a dun  color  over 
the  rest  of  his  body. 


ODE  III. 

TO  MELPOMENE. 

Him,  O Melpomene,  upon  whom  at  his  birth  thou  hast  once 
looked  with  favoring  eye,  the  Isthmian  contest  shall  not  ren- 
der eminent  as  a wrestler ; the  swift  horse  shall  not  draw  him 
triumphant  in  a Grecian  car;  nor  shall  warlike  achievement 
show10  him  in  the  Capitol,  a general  adorned  with  the  Delian 
laurel,  on  account  of  his  having  quashed  the  proud  threats  of 
kings : but  such  waters  as  flow  through  the  fertile  Tiber,  and 
the  dense  leaves  of  the  groves,  shall  make  him  distinguished 
by  the  iEolian  verse.  The  sons  of  Rome,  the  queen  of  cities, 
deign  to  rank  me  among  the  amiable  band  of  poets ; and  now 
I am  less  carped  at  by  the  tooth  of  envy.  O muse,  regulating 
the  harmony  of  the  gilded  shell ! O thou,  who  canst  immediate- 
ly bestow,  if  thou  please,  the  notes  of  the  swan  upon  the  mute 
fish  ! It  is  entirely  by  thy  gift  that  I am  marked  out,  as  the 

10  The  word  ostendet  is  borrowed  from  the  ceremonies  and  solemnities 
which  were  made  for  pomp  and  ostentation.  The  conqueror  was  shown 
in  his  triumph  in  the  capital  of  the  empire,  where  he  received  the  homage 
of  the  world.  Ostentionalis  miles , signifies  a soldier  dressed  for  a re- 
view ; ostentionale  vestimentum  is  the  habit  which  he  wore.  Tour. 

5 


98 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IV. 


stringer  of  the  Roman  lyre,  by  the  fingers  of  passengers 
that  I breathe,  and  give  pleasure  (if  I give  pleasure),  is  yours. 


ODE  IV. 

THE  PRAISES  OF  DRUSUS.12 

Like13  as  the  winged  minister  of  thunder  (to  whom  Jupiter, 
the  sovereign  of  the  gods,  has  assigned  the  dominion  over  the 
fleeeting  birds,  having  experienced  his  fidelity  in  the  affair  of 
the  beauteous  Ganymede),  early  youth  and  hereditary  vigor 
have  impelled  from  his  nest  unknowing  of  toil ; and  the  ver- 
nal winds,  the  showers  being  now  dispelled,  taught  him,  still 
timorous,  unwonted  enterprises : in  a little  while  a violent  im- 
pulse dispatched  him,  as  an  enemy  against  the  sheepfolds; 
now  an  appetite  for  food  and  fight  has  impelled  him  upon  the 
reluctant  serpents ; — or  as  a she-goat,  intent  on  rich  pastures, 
has  beheld  a youg  lion  but  just  weaned  from  the  udder  of  his 
tawny  dam,  ready  to  be  devoured  by  his  newly-grown  tooth : 
such  did  the  Rhgeti  and  the  Vindelici  behold  Drusus  carrying 
on  the  war  under  the  Alps ; whence  this  people  derived  the 
custom,  which  has  always  prevailed  among  them,  of  arming 
their  right  hands  with  the  Amazonian  ax,  I have  purposely 
omitted  to  inquire  : (neither  is  it  possible  to  discover  every 
thing.)  But  those  troops,  which  had  been  for  a long  while  and 
extensively  victorious,  being  subdued  by  the  conduct  of  a 
youth,  perceived  what  a disposition,  what  a genius  rightly 
educated  under  an  auspicious  roof,  what  the  fatherly  affection 
of  Augustus14  toward  the  young  Neros,  could  effect.  The 

11  Cf.  Pers.  Sat.  i.  28,  “At  pulchrum  est  digito  monstrari,  et  dicier 
Hie  est.” 

12  The  victory  of  Drusus  over  the  Yindelici  was  gained  in  the  month 
of  August,  739;  but  it  was  not  celebrated  until  the  return  of  Augustus 
in  March,  741.  Horace  was  then  53  years  of  age.  San. 

13  The  order  of  construction  is  as  follows:  “ Qualem  olim  juventas  et 
patrius  vigor  propulit  nido  inscium  laborum  alitem  ministrum  ful minis, 
cui  Jupiter,  rex  deorum,  permisit  regnum  in  vagas  aves,  expertus  (eum) 
fidelem  in  flavo  Ganymede,  venti,  vernisque  nimbis  jam  remotis,  docuere 
paventem  insolitos  nisus ; mox  vividus  impetus,  etc. — (talem)  Yindelici 
videre  Drusum  gerentem  bella  sub  Rsetis  Alpibus.”  Antiion. 

14  Tiberius  Nero  died  in  the  same  year  in  which  he  had  yielded  his 


ODE  IV. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


90 


bravo  aro  generated  by  the  bravo  and  good ; there  is  in  steers, 
there  is  in  horses,  the  virtue  of  their  sires ; nor  do  the  cou- 
rageous  eagles  procreate  the  unwarlike  dove.  But  learning  im- 
proves the  innate  force,  and  good  discipline  confirms  the  mind : 
whenever  morals  are  deficient,  vices  disgrace  what  is  naturally 
good.  What  thou  owest,  O Rome,  to  the  ]STeros,16  the  river 
Metaurus10  is  a witness,  and  the  defeated  Asdrubal,  and  that 
day  illustrious  by  the  dispelling  of  darkness  from  Italy,  and 
which  first  smiled  with  benignant  victory  ;17  when  the  terrible 
African  rode  through  the  Latian  cities,  like  a fire  through  the 
pitchy  pines,  or  the  east  wind  through  the  Sicilian  waves. 
After  this  the  Roman  youth  increased  continually  in  success- 
ful exploits,  and  temples,  laid  waste  by  the  impious  outrage 
uf  the  Carthaginians,  had  the  [statues  of]  their  gods  set  up 
again.  And  at  length  the  perfidious  Hannibal  said  ; “We,  like 
stags,  the  prey  of  rapacious  wolves,  follow  of  our  own  accord 
those,  whom  to  deceive  and  escape  is  a signal  triumph.  That 

wife  Livia  to  Augustus,  and  by  his  last  will  named  that  prince  not  only 
a guardian  of  Tiberius,  who  was  then  four  years  old,  but  of  Drusus,  who 
was  born  three  months  after  his  mother  was  married  to  Augustus.  In  this 
manner  the  emperor  was  a second  father  to  both  the  Neros.  Ed.  Dubl. 

15  Claudius  Nero,  being  encamped  in  Lucania,  in  view  of  Hannibal, 

went  with  six  thousand  foot  and  a thousand  horse  to  join  his  colleague 
Salinator,  and  oppose  the  passage  of  Asdrubal,  who  was  bringing  a con- 
siderable re-enforcement  to  his  brother.  This  diligence  preserved  Italy; 
for  Asdrubal  was  defeated  near  the  river  Metaurus ; and  Nero,  returning 
to  his  camp  before  the  Carthaginians  perceived  that  he  had  been  absent, 
ordered  Asdrubal’s  head  to  be  thrown  into  Hannibal’s  camp,  who  cried 
out,  “ Agnosco  fortunam  Carthaginis,”  I acknowledge  the  fate  of  Car- 
thage. ** 

Horace  has  chosen  this  action,  not  only  because  it  was  one  of  the  most 
important  performed  by  the  family,  but  because  Drusus  and  Tiberius 
were  descended  from  both  those  consuls.  Ed.  Dubl. 

16  The  river  Metaurus.  Asdrubal,  who  was  brother  to  Hannibal,  and 
the  same  who  had  defeated  the  two  Scipios  in  Spain,  was  sent  from  Car- 
thage, with  a powerful  re-enforcement,  to  join  his  brother  in  Italy. 
Claudius  Nero,  who  was  then  encamped  in  Lucania,  insight  of  Hannibal, 
privately  left  his  camp  with  6,000  foot  and  1,000  horse,  and  arriving  in 
a few  days  in  Umbria,  joined  his  colleague  Livius  Salinator,  who  march- 
ing on  together,  and  meeting  with  Asdrubal  at  the  river  Metaurus, 
defeated  and  slew  him.  Nero  immediately  returned,  nor  did  the  Cartha- 
ginians know  of  his  departure,  till  he  had  caused  the  head  of  Asdrubal 
to  be  thrown  into  their  camp.  Watson. 

17  Alma  risit  adored . Adorea  was  properly  a distribution  of  corn, 
which  was  made  to  the  soldiers  after  a victory,  from  whence  it  was  used 
for  victory  itself.  Fran. 


100 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IV, 


nation,  which,  tossed  in  the  Etrurian  waves,  bravely  trans- 
ported their  gods,  and  sons,  and  aged  fathers,  from  the 
burned  Troy  to  the  Italian  cities,  like  an  oak  lopped  by 
sturdy  axes  in  Algidum  abounding  in  dusky  leaves,  through 
losses  and  through  wounds  derives  strength  and  spirit  from 
the  very  steel.  The  Hydra18  did  not  with  more  vigor  grow 
upon  Hercules  grieving  to  be  overcome,  nor  did  the  Colchians, 
or  the  Echionian  Thebes,  produce  a greater  prodigy.  Should 
you  sink  it  in  the  depth,  it  will  come  out  more  beautiful : 
should  you  contend  with  it,  with  great  glory  will  it  overthrow 
the  conqueror  unhurt  before,  and  will  fight  battles  to  be  the 
talk  of  wives.  No  longer  can  I send  boasting  messengers  to 
Carthage  :19  all  the  hope  and  success  of  my  name  is  fallen,  is 
fallen  by  the  death  of  Asdrubal.  There  is  nothing,  but  what 
the  Claudian  hands20  will  perform  ; which  both  Jupiter  defends 
with  his  propitious  divinity,  and  sagacious  precaution  conducts 
through  the  sharp  trials  of  war.” 


ODE  Y. 

TO  AUGUSTUS. 

0 best  guardian  of  the  Roman21  people,  born  under  propitious 
gods,  already  art  thou  too  long  absent : after  having  promised 

18  Two  prodigies,  perfectly  alike,  were  performed  in  two  different 
countries.  Jason  sowed  the  teeth  of  a dragon  in  Colchis,  and  Cadmus 
did  the  same  in  Boeotia  two  hundred  years  afterward.  The  teeth  were 
instantly  transformed  into  men,  who  destroyed  each  other.  Echion, 
with  four  others,  who  remained  of  those  sown  by  Cadmus,  assisted  him 
in  building  the  walls  of  Thebes,  from  whence  the  poet  calls  it  Echionioe 
Thebce.  Cruq. 

19  After  the  battle  of  Cannae,  Hannibal  sent  his  brother  Mago  to  Car- 
thage with  the  news  of  his  victory.  He  talked  in  very  pompous  terms 
of  Hannibal’s  success,  and  ordered  all  the  rings  which  had  been  taken 
from  the  Roman  knights  to  be  thrown  before  the  gate  of  the  senate- 
house,  that  the  senators  might  compute  from  thence  the  number  of  the 
slain.  To  this  story  the  poet  alludes.  Lamb. 

20  It  is  no  longer  Hannibal  who  speaks,  but  the  poet,  who  resumes  the 
subject  of  his  ode ; nor  are  these  words  to  be  applied  only  to  Claudius 
Nero,  but  to  all  his  descendants,  and  particularly  to  Drusus.  Torr. 

21  Cf.  Yirg.  ^En.  vii.  877,  “Romula  tellus.” 


ODE  Y. 


ODES  OP  HORACE. 


101 


a mature  arrival”  to  the  sacred  council  of  the  senators,  return. 
Restore,  O excellent  chieftain,  the  light  to  thy  country ; for, 
like  the  spring,  wherever  thy  countenance  has  shone,  the 
day  passes  more  agreeably  for  the  people,  and  the  sun  has  a 
superior  luster.  As  a mother,  with  vows,  omens,  and  prayers, 
calls  for  her  son  (whom  the  south  wind  with  adverse  gales 
detains  from  his  sweet  home,  staying  more  than  a year  be- 
yond the  Carpathian  Sea),  nor  turns  aside  her  looks  from  the 
curved  shore ; in  like  manner,  inspired  with  loyal  wishes,  his 
country  seeks  for  Caesar.  For,  [under  your  auspices,]  the  ox 
in  safety  traverses  the  meadows : Ceres  nourishes  the  ground, 
and  abundant  Prosperity : the  sailors  skim  through  the  calm 
ocean : and  Faith  is  in  dread  of  being  censured.  The  chaste 
family  is  polluted  by  no  adulteries : morality  and  the  law 
have  got  the  better  of  that  foul  crime ; the  child-bearing 
women  are  commended  for  an  offspring  resembling  [the 
father ; and]  punishment  presses  as  a companion  upon  guilt. 
Who  can  fear  the  Parthian?23  Who,  the  frozen  Scythian? 
Who,  the  progeny  that  rough  Germany  produces,  while 
Caesar  is  in  safety  ? Who  cares  for  the  war  of  fierce  Spain  ? 
Every  man  puts  a period  to  the  day  amid  his  own  hills,  and 
weds  the  vine  to  the  widowed  elm-trees  ; hence  he  returns 
joyful  to  his  wine,  and  invites  you,  as  a deity,  to  his  second 
course ; thee,  with  many  a prayer,  thee  he  pursues  with  wine 
poured  out  [in  libation]  from  the  cups ; and  joins  your  divinity 
to  that  of  his  household  gods,  in  the  same  manner  as  Greece 
was  mindful  of  Castor  and  the  great  Hercules.  May  you, 
excellent  chieftain,  bestow  a lasting  festivity  upon  Italy ! 
This  is  our  language,  when  we  are  sober  at  the  early  day ; 
this  is  our  language,  when  we  have  well  drunk,  at  the  time 
the  sun  is  beneath  the  ocean. 

22  Augustus  was  absent  from  Rome  about  two  years  and  a half;  and 
his  promise  of  a speedy  return  made  his  absence  more  insupportable. 
San. 

23  Augustus  had  either  subdued,  or  reduced  to  peace  the  whole  east, 
north,  and  west.  The  east  is  marked  by  Parthia ; the  north  by  Scythia 
and  Germany ; and  the  west  by  Spain.  Dion  reckons  the  reduction  of 
Spain,  by  sending  colonies  thither,  to  be  one  of  the  happiest  successes  of 
Augustus  in  this  expedition.  San. 


102 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IV. 


ODE  VI. 

HYMN  TO  APOLLO. 

Thou  god,  whom  the  offspring  of  Niobe24  experienced  as 
avenger  of  a presumptuous  tongue,  and  the  ravisher  Tityus, 
and  also  the  Thessalian  Achilles,  almost  the  conqueror  of  lofty 
Troy,  a warrior  superior  to  all  others,  but  unequal  to  thee; 
though,  son  of  the  sea-goddess,  Thetis,  he  shook  the  Dardanian 
towers,  warring  with  his  dreadful  spear.  He,  as  it  were  a 
pine  smitten  with  the  burning  ax,  or  a cypress  prostrated  by 
the  east  wind,  fell  extended  far,  and  reclined  his  neck  in  the 
Trojan  dust.  He  would  not,  by  being  shut  up  in  a [wooden] 
horse,  that  belied  the  sacred  rights  of  Minerva,  have  surprised 
the  Trojans  reveling  in  an  evil  hour,  and  the  court  of  Priam 
making  merry  in  the  dance ; but  openly  inexorable  to  his  cap- 
tives, (oh  impious ! oh  !)  would  have  burned  speechless  babes 
with  Grecian  fires,  even  him  concealed  in  his  mother’s  womb : 
had  not  the  father  of  the  gods,  prevailed  upon  by  thy  en- 
treaties and  those  of  the  beauteous  Venus,  granted  to  the  af- 
fairs of  ^Eneas  walls  founded  under  happier  auspices.  Thou 
lyrist  Phoebus,  tutor  of  the  harmonious  Thalia,  who  bathest 
thy  locks  in  the  river  Xanthus,  O delicate  Agyieus,  support 
the  dignity  of  the  Latian  muse.  Phoebus  gave  me  genius, 
Phoebus  the  art  of  composing  verse,  and  the  title  of  poet.  Ye 
virgins  of  the  first  distinction,  and  ye  youths  born  of  illus- 
trious parents,  ye  wards  of  the  Delian  goddess,  who  stops  with 
her  bow  the  flying  lynxes,  and  the  stags,  observe  the  Lesbian 
measure,  and  the  motion  of  my  thumb ; duly  celebrating  the 
son  of  Latona,  duly  [celebrating]  the  goddess  that  enlightens 
the  night  with  her  shining  crescent,  propitious  to  the  fruits, 
and  expeditious  in  rolling  on  the  precipitate  months.  Shortly 

24  This  Niobe,  says  Lambinus,  was  the  daughter  of  Tantalus,  and  wife 
of  Amphion  king  of  Thebes.  She  had  twelve  children,  six  males  and 
as  many  females,  of  which  she  was  so  proud,  as  to  reproach  Latona  for 
having  only  two,  Apollo  and  Diana.  The  goddess,  provoked  at  her  in- 
solence, complained  to  her  own  children,  who  killed  all  those  of  Niobe ; 
Apollo,  the  males,  and  Diana,  the  females.  Niobe,  overwhelmed  with 
grief  for  her  loss,  dissolved  into  tears.  Jupiter,  compassionating  her 
miseries,  converted  her  into  a stone;  from  which  were  said  to  issue 
several  springs  of  water.  Watson. 


ODE  VII. 


ODES  OP  HORACE. 


103 


a bride  you  will  say : u I,  skilled  in  the  measures  of  the  poet 
Horace,  recited  an  ode  which  was  acceptable  to  the  gods, 
when  the  secular  period26  brought  back  the  festal  days.” 


ODE  VII. 

TO  TORQUATUS. 

The  snows  are  fled,  the  herbage  now  returns  to  the  fields,  and 
the  leaves  to  the  trees.  The  earth  changes  its  appearance, 
and  the  decreasing  rivers  glide  along  their  banks  : the  elder 
Grace,  together  with  the  Nymphs,  and  her  two  sisters,  ven- 
tures naked  to  lead  off  the  dance.  That  you  are  not  to  ex- 
pect things  permanent,  the  year,  and  the  hour  that  hurries 
away  the  agreeable  day,  admonish  us.  The  colds  are  miti- 
gated by  the  zephyrs : the  summer  follows  close  upon  the 
spring,  shortly  to  die  itself,  as  soon  as  fruitful  autumn  shall 
have  shed  its  fruits : and  anon  sluggish  winter  returns  again. 
Nevertheless  the  quick-revolving  moons  repair  their  wanings 
in  the  skies ; but  when  we  descend  [to  those  regions]  where 
pious  JEneas,  where  Tullus  and  the  wealthy  Ancus  [have 
gone  before  us],  we  become  dust  and  a mere  shade.  Who 
knows  whether  the  gods  above  will  add  to  this  day’s  reckon- 
ing the  space  of  to-morrow  ? Every  thing,  which  you  shall 
indulge  to  your  beloved  soul,26  will  escape  the  greedy  hands 
of  your  heir.  When  once,  Torquatus,27  you  shall  be  dead, 

25  The  Ssecular  games  were  celebrated  once  every  hundred  and  ten 
years.  Before  the  Julian  reformation  of  the  calendar,  the  Roman  was  a 
lunar  year,  which  was  brought,  or  was  meant  to  be  brought,  into  harmony 
with  the  solar  year,  by  the  insertion  of  an  intercalary  month.  Joseph 
Scaliger  has  shown  that  the  principle  was  to  intercalate  a month,  alter- 
nately of  twenty-two  and  twenty-three  days,  every  other  year  during 
periods  of  twenty-two  years,  in  each  of  which  periods  such  an  intercalary 
month  was  inserted  ten  times,  the  last  biennium  being  passed  over.  As 
five  years  made  a lustrum,  so  five  of  these  periods  made  a sceculum  of  one 
hundred  and  ten  years.  (Scaliger  de  Emendat.  Temp.  p.  80  sqq.  Nieh- 
buhr’s  Roman  History,  vol.  i.  p.  334.  Hare  and  Thirlwall’s  transl.) 
Anthon.  26  i.  e.  thyself.  See  Orelli. 

27  Torquatus  was  descended  from  Manlius,  who,  in  a combat  at  Anio, 
defeated  Uncagula  the  Gaul,  and  took  a gold  chain  from  his  neck. 
Watson. 


104 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IV. 


and  Minos  shall  have  made  his  awful  decisions  concerning 
you;  not  your  family,  not  your  eloquence,  not  your  piety 
shall  restore  you.  For  neither  can  Diana  free  the  chaste 
Hippolytus2*  from  infernal  darkness;  nor  is  Theseus29  able 
to  break  off  the  Lethsean  fetters  from  his  dear  Pirithous.30 


ODE  vm. 

TO  MARCTUS  CENSORINUS.31 

O Censorinus,  liberally  would  I present  my  acquaintance 
with  goblets  and  beautiful  vases  of  brass;  I would  present 
them  with  tripods,  the  rewards  of  the  brave  Grecians : nor 
would  you  bear  off  the  meanest  of  my  donations,  if  I were 
rich  in  those  pieces  of  art,  which  either  Parrhasius32  or  Sco- 

28  Hippolytum.  What  the  poet  says  of  Hippolytus  contradicts  the 
fable ; and  what  he  adds  of  Theseus  and  Pirithous  destroys  his  reason- 
ing; since,  although  Theseus  could  not  bring  Pirithous  from  hell,  yet 
Hercules  delivered  Theseus.  Horace,  through  this  whole  ode,  speaks 
like  an  Epicurean ; and,  according  to  Epicurus,  all  the  popular  opinions 
concerning  Hippolytus,  Theseus,  Pirithous,  and  many  others,  were  all 
pure  chimaeras  and  fables.  San. 

29  Theseus,  the  son  of  HSgeus,  king  of  Athens,  and  iEthera.  He  was 
related  to  Hercules,  whose  actions  he  imitated.  He  slew  the  Minotaur 
in  Crete,  and  conquered  the  Amazons,  and  took  their  queen,  Hippolyte, 
to  wife,  by  whom  he  had  Hippolytus.  He  subdued  Thebes,  worsted  the 
Centaurs,  and  did  other  famous  actions.  He  and  Pirithous  were  a noble 
pair  of  friends.  He  died  in  the  island  of  Paros.  Watson. 

30  Pirithous,  the  son  of  Ixion,  who  assisted  Theseus  against  the  Cen- 
taurs. They  descended  both  together  into  hell,  to  carry  off  Proserpine  ; 
but  were  detained  prisoners.  Hercules  descending  some  time  after,  and 
resolving  to  deliver  these  two  princes,  took  Theseus  by  the  hand,  who 
did  the  same  to  Pirithous ; but  an  earthquake  happening,  by  which  they 
were  separated.,  Theseus  only  escaped,  and  Pirithous  was  left.  Watson. 

31  Censorinus.  This  was  Caius  Marcius  Censorinus,  who  was  consul 
with  Asinius  Gallus,  in  the  year  of  the  city  146.  He  was  greatly  esteemed 
at  Rome,  and  accompanied  Caius  Caesar,  the  grandson  of  Augustus,  into 
Syria,  where  he  died,  eight  years  after  the  death  of  Horace.  Watson. 

32  Parrhasius  was  an  Ephesian ; he  flourished  about  400  b.  c.  He  is 
celebrated  for  his  admirable  representation  of  a curtain,  before  the  vino 
and  grapes  of  Zeuxis,  which  deceived  even  the„artistical  eyes  of  the  lat- 
ter. Scopas  was  a native  of  Paros,  born  Olymp.  91.  A Yenus,  Phaeton, 
and  Apollo,  are  mentioned  among  his  chief  productions ; but  he  is  chiefly 


ODE  Till. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


105 


pas  produced;  tlie  latter  in  statuary,  the  former  in  liquid 
colors,  eminent  to  portray  at  one  time  a man,  at  another  a 
god.  But  I have  no  store  of  this  sort,  nor  do  your  circum- 
stances or  inclination  require  any  such  curiosities  as  these. 
You  delight  in  verses : verses  I can  give,  and  set  a value 
on  the  donation.  Not  marbles  engraved  with  public  inscrip- 
tions,33 by  means  of  which  breath  and  life  returns  to  illustri- 
ous generals  after  their  decease ; not  the  precipitate  flight  of 
Hannibal,  and  his  menaces  retorted  upon  his  own  head  :34  not 
the  flames  of  impious  Carthage  * * * *36  more  eminently  set 
forth  his  praises,  who  returned,  having  gained  a name  from 
conquered  Africa,36  than  the  Calabrian  muses ; neither,  should 
writings  be  silent,  would  you  have  any  reward  for  having  done 
well.  What  would  the  son  of  Mars  and  Ilia  be,  if  invidious 
silence  had  stifled  the  merits  of  Romulus  ? The . force,  and 
favor,  and  voice  of  powerful  poets  consecrate  iEacus, 
snatched  from  the  Stygian  floods,  to  the  Fortunate  Islands. 
The  muse  forbids  a praiseworthy  man  to  die : the  muse  con- 
fers the  happiness  of  heaven.  Thus  laborious  Hercules  has 
a place  at  the  longed-for  banquets  of  Jove : [thus]  the  sons 
of  Tyndarus,  that  bright  constellation,  rescue  shattered  ves- 
sels from  the  bosom  of  the  deep : [and  thus]  Bacchus,  his 
temples  adorned  with  the  verdant  vine-branch,  brings  the 
prayers  of  his  votaries  to  successful  issues. 

celebrated  for  his  exuberant  fancy,  and  rich  invention  in  depicting  Bac- 
chic subjects,  whence  the  use  of  protulit , i.  e.  “ ut  inventor  finxit,”  not 
11  spectandas  exposuit.”  Anthon. 

33  Notce.  These  are  probably  abbreviations,  but  are  used  here  for  in- 
scriptions ; such  as  S.  P.  Q.  R.  for  Senatus  Populusque  Romanus.  Torr. 

34  Rejectceque  retrorsum  mince.  The  threats  of  Hannibal,  driven  back 
from  Italy,  when  he  was  obliged  to  fly  to  the  defense  of  Carthage.  Bond. 

35  On  this  lacuna  see  the  commentators. 

36  Nomen  ab  Africa  lucratus.  Scipio  was  the  first  of  the  Romans  who 
was  honored  with  the  name  of  a conquered  country.  Sempronius  Grac- 
chus must  be  an  unsuspected  witness  to  his  character,  when  he  says,  that 
he  subdued  Africa;  defeated  in  Spain  four  of  the  most  famous  Cartha- 
ginian generals ; took  Syphax  prisoner  in  Numidia ; vanquished  Han- 
nibal ; rendered  Carthage  tributary  to  Rome,  and  obliged  Antiochus  to 
retire  on  the  other  side  of  Mount  Taurus.  Torr. 

5* 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IV. 


lf*5 


ODE  IX. 

TO  MARCUS  LOLLIUS.37 

Lest  you  for  a moment  imagine  that  those  words  will  be  lost, 
which  I,  born  on  the  far-resounding  Aufidus,  utter  to  be 
accompanied  with  the  lyre,  by  arts  hitherto  undivulged — If 
Mseonian  Homer  possesses  the  first  rank,  the  Pindaric  and 
Cean  muses,  and  the  menacing  strains  of  Alcaeus,  and  the 
majestic  ones  of  Stesichorus,38  are  by  no  means  obscure : 
neither,  if  Anacreon  long  ago  sportfully  sung  any  thing,  has 
time  destroyed  it : even  now  breathes  the  love  and  live  the 
ardors  of  the  ^Eolian  maid,  committed  to  her  lyre.  The 
Lacedaemonian  Helen  is  not  the  only  fair,  who  has  been  in- 
flamed by  admiring  the  delicate  ringlets  of  a gallant,  and 
garments  embroidered  with  gold,  and  courtly  accomplish- 
ments, and  retinue:  nor  was  Teucer  the  first  that  leveled 
arrows  from  the  Cydonian  bow : Troy  was  more  than  once 
harassed:  the  great  Idomeneus  and  Sthenelus  were  not  the 
only  heroes  that  fought  battles  worthy  to  be  recorded  by  the 
muses : the  fierce  Hector  or  the  strenuous  Deiphobus  were 
not  the  first  that  received  heavy  blows  in  defense  of  virtuous 
wives  and  children.  Many  brave  men  lived  before  Agamem- 
non: but  all  of  them,  unlamented  and  unknown,  are  over- 
whelmed with  endless  obscurity,  because  they  were  destitute 
of  a sacred  bard.  Valor,  uncelebrated,  differs  but  little  from 
cowardice  when  in  the  grave.  I will  not  [therefore],  O 
Lollius,  pass  you  over  in  silence,  uncelebrated  in  my  writings, 
or  suffer  envious  forgetfulness  with  impunity  to  seize  so  many 
toils  of  thine.39  You  have  a mind  ever  prudent  in  the  con- 

37  Lollius.  This  Lollius  is  the  same  with  him  to  whom  he  addresses 
the  2d  and  18th  Epistles  of  the  First  Book.  He  was  consul  with  Q. 
jEmilius  Lepidus  in  the  7 3 2d  year  of  the  city.  Watson. 

38  Stesichorus  was  of  Himera  in  Sicily,  and  flourished  about  610  years 
before  Christ.  Watson. 

39  Totve  tuos  patiar  labores.  Lollius  commanded  the  Roman  legions  in 
Germany,  Thrace,  and  Galatia.  In  the  German  war  he  lost  the  eagle  of 
the  fifth  legion,  and  his  defeat  was  called  the  Lollian  slaughter.  Lolliana 
clades ; but  he  soon  revenged  the  affront,  and  obliged  the  Germans  to 
repass  the  Rhine,  to  demand  a peace,  and  deliver  hostages.  Fran. 


ODE  X. 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


107 


duct  of  affairs,  and  steady  alike  amid  success  and  trouble : 
you  are  an  avenger  of  avaricious  fraud,  and  proof  against 
money,  that  attracts  every  tiling;  and  a consul  not  of  one 
year  only,  but  as  often  as  the  good  and  upright  magistrate  has 
preferred  the  honorable  to  the  profitable,  and  has  rejected 
with  a disdainful  brow  the  bribes  of  wicked  men,40  and  tri- 
umphant through  opposing  bands  has  displayed  his  arms.  You 
can  not  with  propriety  call  him  happy,  that  possesses  much ; 
he  more  justly  claims  the  title  of  happy,  who  understands  how 
to  make  a wise  use  of  the  gifts  of  the  gods,  and  how  to  bear 
severe  poverty ; and  dreads  a reproachful  deed  worse  than  death ; 
such  a man  as  this  is  not  afraid  to  perish  in  the  defense  of  his 
dear  friends,  or  of  his  country. 


ODE  X. 

TO  LIGURINUS. 

O cruel  still,  and  potent  in  the  endowments  of  beauty,  when 
an  unexpected  plume  shall  come  upon  your  vanity,  and  those 
locks,  which  now  wanton  on  your  shoulders,  shall  fall  off,  and 
that  color,  which  is  now  preferable  to  the  blossom  of  the 
damask  rose,  changed,  O Ligurinus,  shall  turn  into  a wrinkled 
face;  [then]  will  you  say  (as  often  as  you  see  yourself, 
[quite]  another  person  in  the  looking-glass),  Alas!  why  was 
not  my  present  inclination  the  same,  when  I was  young  ? Or 
why  do  not  my  cheeks  return,  unimpaired,  to  these  my  pre- 
sent sentiments  ? 

40  “ Rejects  with  disdainful  brow  the  bribes  of  the  guilty ; and,  vic- 
torious, makes  for  himself  a way  by  his  own  arms  amid  opposing 
crowds.”  Explicuit  sua  arma  may  be  rendered  more  literally,  though 
less  intelligibly,  “displays  his  arms.”  The  “opposing  crowds”  are  the 
difficulties  that  beset  the  path  of  the  upright  man,  as  well  from  the  in- 
herent weakness  of  his  own  nature,  as  from  the  arts  of  the  flatterer,  and 
the  machinations  of  secret  foes.  Calling,  however,  virtue  and  firmness 
to  his  aid,  he  employs  these  arms  of  purest  temper  against  the  host  that 
surrounds  him,  and  comes  off  victorious  from  the  conflict.  Ed.  Dubl. 


108 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IV. 


ODE  XL 

TO  PHYLLIS. 

Phyllis,  I Lave  a cask  full  of  Abanian  wine,  upward  of 
nine  years  old  ; I have  parsley  in  my  garden,  for  the  weaving 
of  chaplets ; I have  a store  of  ivy,  with  which,  when  you  have 
bound  your  hair,  you  look  so  gay : the  house  shines  cheerfully 
with  plate : the  altar,  bound  with  chaste  vervain,  longs  to  be 
sprinkled  [with  the  blood]  of  a sacrificed  lamb  : all  hands  are 
busy : girls  mingled  with  boys  fly  about  from  place  to  place : 
the  flames  quiver,  rolling  on  their  summit  the  sooty  smoke.41 
But  yet,  that  you  may  know  to  what  joys  you  are  invited,  the 
Ides  are  to  be  celebrated  by  you,  the  day  which  divides 
April,43  the  month  of  sea-born  Venus ; [a  day,]  with  reason 
to  be  solemnized  by  me,  and  almost  more  sacred  to  me  than 
that  of  my  own  birth  ; since  from  this  day  my  dear  Maecenas 
reckons  his  flowing  years.  A rich  and  buxom  girl  hath  pos- 
sessed herself  of  Telephus,  a youth  above  your  rank;  and 
she  holds  him  fast  by  an  agreeable  fetter.  Consumed  Phae- 
ton strikes  terror  into  ambitious  hopes,  and  the  winged 
Pegasus,  not  stomaching  the  earth-born  rider  Bellerophon, 
affords  a terrible  example,  that  you  ought  always  to  pursue 
things  that  are  suitable  to  you . and  that  you  should  avoid  a 
disproportioned  match,  by  thinking  it  a crime  to  entertain  a 
hope  beyond  what  is  allowable.  Come  then,  thou  last  of  my 
loves  (for  hereafter  I shall  burn  for  no  other  woman),  learn 
with  me  such  measures,  as  thou  mayest  recite  with  thy  lovely 
voice : our  gloomy  cares  shall  be  mitigated  with  an  ode. 

41  The  Greeks  and  Romans  appear  to  have  been  acquainted  with 
the  use  of  chimneys.  The  more  common  dwellings  had  merely  an  open- 
ing in  the  roof,  which  allowed  the  smoke  to  escape ; the  better  class  of 
edifices  were  warmed  by  means  of  pipes  enclosed  in  the  walls,  and 
which  communicated  with  a large  stove,  or  several  smaller  ones,  con- 
structed in  the  earth  under  the  building.  Anthon  interprets  vortice, 
“from  the  house-top;”  but  the  explanation  of  Orellius  is  preferable, 
“fumum  celerrime  torquentes  ac  glomerantes,  ita  ut  ejus  verticem 
efficiant.”  M‘Caul. 

42  Mensem  Veneris.  April  was  called  the  month  of  Venus,  because 
her  grand  festival  began  on  the  first  day  of  that  month.  San. 


ODE  XII. 


ODES  OP  HORACE. 


109 


ODE  XII. 

TO  VIRGIL. 

The  Thracian  breezes,  attendants  on  the  spring,  which 
moderate  the  deep,  now  fill  the  sails ; now  neither  are  the 
meadows  stiff  [with  frost],  nor  roar  the  rivers  swollen  with 
winter’s  snow.  The  unhappy  bird,  that  piteously  bemoans 
Itys,  and  is  the  eternal  disgrace  of  the  house  of  Cecrops4* 
(because  she  wickedly  revenged  the  brutal  lusts  of  kings),  now 
builds  her  nest.  The  keepers  of  the  sheep  play  tunes  upon 
the  pipe  amid  the  tender  herbage,  and  delight  that  god, 
whom  flocks  and  the  shady  hills  of  Arcadia  delight.  The  time 
of  year,  O Virgil,  has  brought  on  a drought : but  if  you  de- 
sire to  quaff  wine  from  the  Calenian  press,  you,  that  are  a 
constant  companion  of  young  noblemen,  must  earn  your  liquor 
by  [bringing  some]  spikenard : a small  box  of  spikenard  shall 
draw  out  a cask,  which  now  lies  in  the  Sulpician  store-house,44 
bounteous  in  the  indulgence  of  fresh  hopes  and  efficacious 
in  washing  away  the  bitterness  of  cares.  To  which  joys  if' 
you  hasten,  come  instantly  with  your  merchandize : I do  not 
intend  to  dip  you  in  my  cups  scot-free,  like  a man  of  wealth, 
in  a house  abounding  with  plenty.  But  lay  aside  delay,  and 
the  desire  of  gain ; and,  mindful  of  the  gloomy  [funeral] 
flames,  intermix,  while  you  may,  your  grave  studies  with  a 
little  light  gayety : it  is  delightful  to  give  a loose  on  a proper 
occasion. 

43  Cecropice  domus.  Cecrops  was  founder  and  first  king  of  Athens ; 
from  him  his  successors,  although  not  of  his  family,  took  the  title  of  Ce- 
cropidce.  Horace  therefore  uses  the  house  of  Cecrops  for  the  kings  of 
Athens  in  general ; thus  we  say  the  Ptolemies  for  the  kings  of  Egypt,  and 
the  Ccesars  for  the  emperors  of  Rome.  Torr.  Dac. 

44  Sulpiciis  horeis.  In  the  year  633  the  Romans  began  to  drink  old 
wine,  and  several  public-houses  were  erected  where  it  was  sold.  These, 
which  Horace  mentions,  either  belonged  to  Sulpicius,  or  perhaps  were 
built  upon  his  estate.  Sulpicia  for  Sulpiciana  horrea.  San. 


liO 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IV. 


ODE  XIII. 

TO  LYCE. 

The  gods  have  heard  my  prayers,  O Lyce ; Lyce,  the  gods 
have  heard  my  prayers,  you  are  become  an  old  woman,  and 
yet  you  would  fain  seem  a beauty ; and  you  wanton  and  drink 
in  an  audacious  manner ; and  when  drunk,  solicit  tardy  Cupid, 
with  a quivering  voice.  He  basks  in  the  charming  cheeks  of 
the  blooming  Chia,  who  is  a proficient  on  the  lyre.  The  teas- 
ing urchin  flies  over  blasted  oaks,  and  starts  back  at  the  sight 
of  you,  because  foul  teeth,  because  wrinkles  and  snowy  hair 
render  you  odious.  Xow  neither  Coan  purples  nor  sparkling 
jewels  restore  those  years,  which  winged  time  has  inserted  in 
the  public  annals.  Whither  is  your  beauty  gone  ? Alas  ! or 
whither  your  bloom'?  Whither  your  graceful  deportment? 
What  have  you  [remaining]  of  her,  of  her,  who  breathed  loves, 
and  ravished  me  from  myself?  Happy  next  to  *Cynara,  and 
distinguished  for  an  aspect  of  graceful  ways:  but  the  fates 
granted  a few  years  only  to  Cynara,  intending  to  preserve  for  a 
long  time  Lyce,  to  rival  in  years  the  aged  raven : that  the  fer- 
vid young  fellows  might  see,  not  without  excessive  laughter, 
that  torch,  [which  once  so  brightly  scorched,]  reduced  to  ashes. 


ODE  XIV. 

TO  AUGUSTUS. 

What  zeal  of  the  senators,  or  what  of  the  Roman  people,  by 
decreeing  the  most  ample  honors,  can  eternize  your  virtues, 
O Augustus,  by  monumental  inscriptions  and  lasting  records  ? 
O thou,  wherever  the  sun  illuminates  the  habitable  regions, 
greatest  of  princes,  whom  the  Yindelici,  that  never  ex- 
perienced the  Roman  sway,  have  lately  learned  how  power- 
ful thou  art  in  war ! For  Drusus,  by  means  of  your  ^oldiery, 
has  more  than  once  bravely  overthrown  the  Genauni,  an 
implacable  race,  and  the  rapid  Brenci,  and  the  citadels  sit- 


ode  xiv.  ODES  OF  HORACE.  HI 

uated  on  the  tremendous  Alps.  The  elder  of  the  Neros 
soon  after  fought  a terrible  battle,  and,  under  your  pro- 
pitious auspices,  smote  the  ferocious  Rhoeti : how  worthy 
of  admiration  in  the  field  of  battle,  [to  see]  with  what  de- 
struction he  oppressed  the  brave  hearts  devoted  to  volun- 
tary death : just  as  the  south  wind  harasses  the  untame- 
able  waves,  when  the  dance45  of  the  Pleiades  cleaves  the 
clouds ; [so  is  he]  strenuous  to  annoy  the  troops  of  the  enemy, 
and  to  drive  his  eager  steed  through  the  midst  of  flames. 
Thus  the  bull-formed  Aufidus,  who  washes  the  dominions  of 
the  Apulian  Daunus,  rolls  along,  when  he  rages  and  meditates 
an  horrible  deluge  to  the  cultivated  lands;  when  Claudius 
overthrew  with  impetuous  might,  the  iron  ranks  of  the  bar- 
barians, and  by  mowing  down  both  front  and  rear  strewed 
the  ground,  victorious  without  any  loss;  through  you  sup- 
plying them  with  troops,  you  with  councils,  and  your  own 
guardian  powers.46  For  on  that  day,  when  the  suppliant 
Alexandria  opened  her  ports  and  deserted  court,  fortune,  pro- 
pitious to  you  in  the  third  lustrum,  has  put  a happy  period  to 
the  war,  and  has  ascribed  praise  and  wished-for  honor  to 
the  victories  already  obtained.  O thou  dread  guardian  of 
Italy  and  imperial  Rome,  thee  the  Spaniard,47  till  now  un- 
conquered, and  the  Mede,  and  the  Indian,  thee  the  vagrant 
Scythian  admires ; thee  both  the  Nile,  who  conceals  his  foun- 
tain heads,  and  the  Danube ; thee  the  rapid  Tigris ; thee  the 
monster-bearing  ocean,  that  roars  against  the  remote  Britons ; 
thee  the  region  of  Gaul  fearless  of  death,  and  that  of  hardy 
Iberia  obeys ; thee  the  Sicambrians,  who  delight  in  slaughter, 
laying  aside  their  arms,  revere. 

45  See  my  note  on  iEsch.  Ag.  4,  ed.  Bohn. 

46  Tuos  prcebente  Divos.  Since  the  Rhoetians  were  defeated  upon  the 
same  day  in  which  Augustus  entered  Alexandria  fifteen  years  before,  the 
poet  concludes  that  the  same  gods  had  crowned  both  expeditions  with 
success.  Thus  by  this  happy  circumstance  he  transfers  the  glory  of 
Tiberius  to  the  emperor,  and  recals  to  his  remembrance  a day  which 
made  him  master  of  the  world  by  ending  the  civil  wars.  The  senate 
had  decreed  that  the  day,  upon  which  Alexandria  was  taken,  should  be 
numbered  among  their  sacred  festivals.  This  day  was  probably  the  29th 
of  August,  724.  Dac.  San. 

47  Gantaber  non  ante  domabilis.  This  epithet  may  be  extended  to  the 
Medes  and  Indians ; for  although  these  nations  had  been  often  defeated, 
yet  they  were  never  entirely  subdued  until  the  year  734,  when  they 
were  conquered  by  Agrippa.  Dac. 


112 


ODES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IT. 


ODE  XV. 

TO  AUGUSTUS,  ON  THE  RESTORATION  OF  PEACE.48 

Phoebus  chid  me,  when  I was  meditating  to  sing  of  battles 
and  conquered  cities  on  the  lyre ; that  I might  not  set  my  lit- 
tle sails  along  the  Tyrrhenian  Sea.  Your  age,  O Caesar,  has 
both  restored  plenteous  crops  to  the  fields,  and  has  brought 
back  to  our  Jupiter  the  standards  torn  from  the  proud  pillars 
of  the  Parthians ; and  has  shut  up  [the  temple]  of  Janus49 
[founded  by]  Romulus,  now  free  from  war ; and  has  imposed 
a due  discipline  upon  headstrong  licentiousness,  and  has  ex- 
tirpated crimes,  and  recalled  the  ancient  arts ; by  which  the 
Latin  name  and  strength  of  Italy  have  increased,  and  the 
fame  and  majesty  of  the  empire  is  extended  from  the  sun’s 
western  bed  to  the  east.  While  Caesar  is  guardian  of  affairs, 
neither  civil  rage  nor  violence  shall  disturb  tranquillity ; nor 
hatred  which  forges  swords,  and  sets  at  variance  unhappy 
states.  Not  those,  who  drink  of  the  deep  Danube,  shall  now 
break  the  Julian  edicts : not  the  Getae,  not  the  Seres,  nor  the 
perfidious  Persians,  nor  those  born  upon  the  river  Tanais. 
And  let  us,  both  on  common  and  festal  days,  amid  the  gifts 
of  joyous  Bacchus,  together  with  our  wives  and  families,  having 
first  duly  invoked  the  gods,  celebrate,  after  the  manner  of  our 
ancestors,  with  songs  accompanied  with  Lydian  pipes,  our  late 
valiant  commanders ; and  Troy,  and  Anchises,  and  the  offspring 
of  benign  Venus. 

48  In  the  latter  end  of  spring,  7 44,  Augustus  shut  the  temple  of  Janus 
for  the  third  and  last  time,  which  probably  gave  occasion  to  this  ode. 
San. 

49  The  temple  of  Janus  was  open  in  war  and  closed  in  peace.  It  had 
been  closed  previous  to  the  reign  of  Augustus,  once  in  the  days  of  Numa, 
and  a second  time  at  the  conclusion  of  the  first  Punic  war.  Under  Au- 
gustus it  was  closed  thrice ; once  in  A.  u.  c.  725,  after  the  overthrow  of 
Antony  (compare  Orosius,  6,  22,  and  Dio  Cassius,  56,  23),  again  in  A.  u.  c. 
729,  after  the  reduction  of  the  Cantabri  (compare  Dio  Cassius,  53,  26), 
and  the  third  time,  when  the  Dacians,  Dalmatians,  and  some  of  the  Ger- 
man tribes  were  subdued  by  Tiberius  and  Drusus.  (Compare  Dio  Cas- 
sius, 54,  36.)  To  this  last  Horace  is  here  supposed  to  allude.  We  have 
retained  Janum  Quirini,  i.  e.  Janum  Quiritium.  When  the  temple  of 
Janus  was  the  third  time  closed  is  not  clearly  known.  Some,  with  Masson, 
refer  it  to  the  year  744,  others  to  748.  Horace  appears  to  allude  merely 
to  the  fact  of  its  having  been  closed  twice.  Anthon  and  M‘Caul. 


THE  BOOK 


OF  THE 

EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  I. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

Thou  wilt  go,1  my  friend  Maecenas,  with  Liburian2  galleys 
among  the  towering  forts  of  ships,  ready  at  thine  own  [hazard] 
to  undergo  any  of  Caesar’s  dangers.  What  shall  I do  ? To 
whom  life  may  be  agreeable,  if  you  survive ; but,  if  other- 
wise, burdensome.  Whether  shall  I,  at  your  command,  pur- 
sue my  ease,  which  can  not  be  pleasing  unless  in  your  com- 
pany ? Or  shall  I endure  this  toil  with  such  a courage,  as 
becomes  uneffeminate  men  to  bear  ? I will  bear  it  ? and  with 
an  intrepid  soul  follow  you,  either  through  the  summits  of  the 
Alps,  and  the  inhospitable  Caucasus,  or  to  the  furthest  western 
bay.  You  may  ask  how  I,  un warlike  and  infirm,  can  assist 
your  labors  by  mine  ? While  I am  your  companion,  I shall 
be  in  less  anxiety,  which  takes  possession  of  the  absent  in  a 
greater  measure.  As  the  bird,  that  has  unfledged  young,  is 

1 Ibis.  As  soon  as  Maecenas  had  received  orders  to  hold  himself  in 
readiness  to  go  aboard  the  fleet  of  Octavius,  he  imparted  the  news  to 
Horace,  and  at  the  same  time  declared  to  him,  that  he  would  not  permit 
him  to  make  this  voyage  with  him. 

This  ode  was  written  in  723,  and  it  shows,  through  the  whole,  a dis- 
interested affection  and  gratitude.  San. 

2 Liburnis.  Plutarch,  speaking  of  this  battle,  says,  that  when  one  of 
Antony’s  ships  was  surrounded  by  four  or  five  Liburnian  galleys,  it  look- 
ed like  an  assault  of  a town.  Floras,  describing  the  vessels  of  Antony, 
says,  that  they  had  from  six  to  nine  rowers  to  every  oar ; that  they  car- 
ried towers  and  bridges  of  such  prodigious  height,  as  to  look  like  castles 
and  towns : that  the  seas  groaned  beneath  their  weight,  and  the  winds 
labored  to  push  them  forward.  Horace  calls  these  towers  propugnacula 
navium,  and  Virgil  calls  the  vessels  which  bore  them  turritas  puppoe, 
towered  ships.  Ed.  Dublin. 


114 


EPODES  OP  HORACE. 


ODE  II. 


in  a greater  dread  of  serpents’  approaches,  when  they  are  left : 
— not  that,  if  she  should  be  present  when  they  came,  she 
could  render  more  help.  Not  only  this,  but  every  other  war, 
shall  be  cheerfully  embraced  by  me  for  the  hope  of  your 
favor ; [and  this,]  not  that  my  plows  should  labor,  yoked  to  a 
greater  number  of  mine  own  oxen ; or  that  my  cattle  before 
the  scorching  dog-star  should  change  the  Calabrian3  for  the 
Lucanian4  pastures  : neither  that  my  white  country-box  should 
equal  the  Circsean  walls  of  lofty  Tusculum.6  Your  generosi- 
ty has  enriched  me  enough,  and  more  than  enough : I shall 
never  wish  to  amass,  what  either,  like  the  miser  Chremes, 
I may  bury  in  the  earth,  or  luxuriously  squander,  like  a 
prodigal. 


ODE  II. 

THE  PRAISES  OF  A COUNTRY  LIFE. 

Happy  the  man,6  who,  remote  from  business,  after  the  man- 

3 Pecusve  Calabris.  The  wealthier  Romans  had  different  pastures  for 
summer  and  winter.  The  poorer  sort  sent  their  flocks  into  the  public 
pastures,  paying  a certain  rent  to  the  farmers  of  the  revenues.  Thus 
Calabria  was  chosen  for  its  warmth  and  temperature  in  winter,  and  Lu- 
cania  for  its  coolness  and  verdure  in  summer,  occasioned  by  its  moun- 
tains. But  the  difficulty  of  the  sentence  depends  upon  the  construction, 
which  must  be  directly  contrary  to  the  poet’s  arrangement  of  the  words. 
Mutat  iMcana  Calabris  pascuis,  for  mutat  Caldbra  pascua  Lucanis.  In 
the  same  manner  in  the  first  book,  Mutat  Lucretilem  Lycceo,  for  mutat 
Lycoeum  Lacretili.  Schol. 

4 Lucania,  a country  of  Italy,  in  the  kingdom  of  Naples,  between 
Apulia  and  the  Tuscan  Sea,  famous  for  pastures.  Calabria,  the  most 
southern  part  of  the  kingdom  of  Naples,  called  also  Magna  Grsecia; 
lying  between  the  Sicilian  and  Ionian  Seas ; it  brings  forth  fruit  twice  in 
a year.  Watson. 

5 Tusculum  is  a city  of  Italy,  about  twelve  miles  from  Rome,  built  on 
an  eminence,  where  many  of  the  Roman  nobility,  and  Yirgil,  and  Horace 
also,  had  country-seats.  Watson. 

6 The  object  of  the  poet  is  to  show  with  how  much  difficulty  a covet- 
ous man  disengages  himself  from  the  love  of  riches.  He,  therefore,  sup- 
poses an  usurer,  who  is  persuaded  of  the  happiness  and  tranquillity  of  a 
country  life,  to  have  formed  the  design  of  retiring  into  the  country  and 
renouncing  his  former  pursuits.  The  latter  calls  in  his  money,  and  is 
ready  to  depart,  when  his  ruling  passion  returns,  and  once  more  plunges 
him  in  the  vortex  of  gain.  Anth. 


ODE  IX. 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


115 


ner  of  the  ancient  race  of  mortals,  cultivates  his  paternal  lands 
with  his  own  oxen,  disengaged  from  every  kind  of  usury ; ho 
is  neither  alarmed  by  the  horrible  trump,  as  a soldier,  nor 
dreads  he  the  angry  sea ; he  shuns  both  the  bar  and  the  proud 
portals  of  citizens  in  power.  Wherefore  he  either  weds  the 
lofty  poplars  to  the  mature  branches  of  the  vine  ; and,  lopping 
off  the  useless  boughs  with  his  pruning-knife,  he  ingrafts 
more  fruitful  ones : or  he  takes  a prospect  of  the  herds  of  his 
lowing  cattle,  wandering  about  in  a lonely  vale ; or  stores  his 
honey,  pressed  [from  the  combs],  in  clean  vessels ; or  shears 
his  tender  sheep.  Or,  when  autumn  has  lifted  up  in  the  fields 
his  head  adorned  with  mellow  fruits,  how  does  he  rejoice, 
while  he  gathers  the  grafted  pears,  and  the  grape  that  vies 
with  the  purple,  with  which  he  may  recompense  thee,  O 
Priapus,  and  thee,  father  Sylvanus,  guardian  of  his  bound- 
aries ! Sometimes  he  delights  to  lie  under  an  aged  holm,  some- 
times on  the  matted  grass  : meanwhile  the  waters  glide  along 
in  their  deep  channels ; the  birds  warble  in  the  woods ; and 
the  fountains  murmur  with  their  purling  streams,  which  in- 
vites gentle  slumbers.  But  when  the  wintery  season  of  the 
tempestuous  air  prepares  rains  and  snows,  he  either  drives  the 
fierce  boars,  with  many  a dog,  into  the  intercepting  toils ; or 
spreads  his  thin  nets  with  the  smooth  pole,  as  a snare  for  the 
voracious  thrushes ; or  catches  in  his  gin  the  timorous  hare, 
or  that  stranger  the  crane,7  pleasing  rewards  [for  his  labor]. 
Among  such  joys  as  these,  who  does  not  forget  those  mis- 
chievous anxieties,  which  are  the  property  of  love.  But  if  a 
chaste  wife,  assisting  on  her  part  [in  the  management]  of  the 
house,  and  beloved  children  (such  as  is  the  Sabine,8 9  or  the 
sun-burned  spouse  of  the  industrious  Apulian),  piles  up  the 
sacred  hearth  with  old  wood,®  just  at  the  approach  of  her 
weary  husband ; and,  shutting  up  the  fruitful  cattle  in  the 

7 Et  advenam  gruem.  Cranes  came  to  Italy  and  Greece  in  winter  for 
the  warmth  of  the  climate ; from  whence  Pliny  calls  them  Hyemis  adve- 
nas , the  strangers  of  winter.  Lamb. 

8 Sabina  qualis.  The  Sabines  possessed  the  middle  of  Italy.  They 
were  a frugal  and  laborious  people,  and  their  wives  were  remarkable  for 
chastity  and  modesty,  domestic  housewifery,  and  conjugal  fidelity.  Cruq. 

9 Sacrum  vetustis  extruat.  The  construction  is  reversed : Extruere  lig- 
nis  focum , for  extruere  ligna  in  foco,  or  super  foco.  This  fire  was  called 
sacred , because  it  was  consecrated  to  Vesta  and  the  household  gods, 
whose  statues  were  placed  round  it.  Cruq. 


116 


EPODES  OF  HORACE, 


ODE  IIL 


woven  hurdles,  milks  dry  their  distended  udders : and,  draw- 
ing this  year’s  wine  out  of  a well-seasoned  cask,  prepares  the 
unbought  collation : not  the  Lucrine  oysters10  could  delight  me 
more,  nor  the  turbot,  nor  the  scar,  should  the  tempestuous 
winter  drive  any  from  the  eastern  floods  to  this  sea : not  the 
turkey,  nor  the' Asiatic  wild-fowl,  can  come  into  my  stomach 
more  agreeably,  than  the  olive  gathered  from  the  richest 
branches  from  the  trees,  or  the  sorrel  that  loves  the  meadows, 
or  mallows  salubrious  for  a sickly  body,  or  a lamb  slain  at  the 
feast  of  Terminus,  or  a kid  rescued  from  the  wolf.  Amid  these 
dainties,  how  it  pleases  one  to  see  the  well-fed  sheep  hastening 
home  ! to  see  the  weary  oxen,  with  drooping  neck,  dragging 
the  inverted  plowshare  ! and  slaves,  the  test  of  a rich  family, 
ranged  about  the  smiling  household  gods  ! When  Alfius,  the 
usurer,  now  on  the  point  of  turning  countryman,  had  said  this, 
he  collected  in  all  his  money  on  the  Ides ; and  endeavors  to  put 
it  out  again  at  the  Calends, 


ODE  IIL 

TO  MAECENAS. 

If  any  person  at  any  time  with  an  impious  hand  has  broken 
his  aged  father’s  neck,  let  him  eat11  garlic,  more  baneful  than 
hemlock.  Oh ! the  hardy  bowels  of  the  mowers ! What 
poison  is  this  that  rages  in  my  entrails  ? Has  viper’s  blood,  in- 
fused in  these  herbs,  deceived  me  ? Or  has  Canidia  dressed 
this  baleful  food  ? When  Medea,  beyond  all  the  [other]  Ar- 
gonauts, admired  their  handsome  leader,  she  anointed  Jason 
with  this,  as  he  was  going  to  tie  the  untried  yoke  on  the 
bulls  : and  having  revenged  herself  on  [Jason’s]  mistress,  by 
making  her  presents  besmeared  with  this,  she  flew  away  on 

10  Lucrina  conchylia.  Conchylia  is  a general  word  for  all  kinds  of 
shell-fish.  The  Romans  at  first  loved  the  oysters  of  the  Lucrine  Lake ; 
afterward  they  preferred  those  of  Brundusium  and  Tarentum  ; at  length 
all  others  were  insipid  to  them  except  those  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  As 
these  expenses  became  excessive,  the  censors  were  obliged  to  forbid 
either  fowl  or  shell-fish  to  be  brought  from  countries  so  distant.  I>Ac. 

11  “ Edit  is  preferable  to  edat;  for  the  ancients  used  edim,  ed»\  edit" 
Schol.  See  Orelli. 


ODE  IV. 


EPODES  OP  nORACE. 


m 


her  winged  dragon.  Never  did  tlio  steaming  influence  of  any 
constellation  so  raging  as  this  rest  upon  the  thirsty  Appulia  : 
neither  did  the  gift  [of  Dejanira\  burn  hotter  upon  the 
shoulders  of  laborious  Hercules.  But  if  ever,  facetious  Maecenas, 
you  should  have  a desire  for  any  such  stuff  again,  I wish  that 
your  girl  may  oppose  her  hand  to  your  loss,  and  lie  at  the 
furthest  part  of  the  bed. 


ODE  IY. 

TO  MENAS.12 

As  great  an  enmity  as  is  allotted  by  nature  to  wolves  and 
lambs,  [so  great  a one]  have  I to  you,  you  that  are  galled  at 
your  back  with  Spanish  cords,13  and  on  your  legs  with  the 
hard  fetter.  Though,  purse-proud  with  your  riches,  you  strut 
along,  yet  fortune  does  not  alter  your  birth.  Do  you  not  ob- 
serve while  you  are  stalking  along  the  sacred  way  with  a robe 
twice  three  ells  long,  how  the  most  open  indignation  of  those 

12  The  manuscripts  inscribe  this  ode  in  Menam  libertum.  Sextus  Me- 
nas was  a freed  man  of  Cneius  Pompeius,  and  during  five  or  six  years 
of  the  triumvirate  had  made  himself  considerable  both  to  Octavius  and 
Pompey,  by  betraying  each  of  them  in  their  turn,  from  whence  Appian 
calls  him  the  double  betrayer. 

In  *7 14  he  commanded  Pompey’s  fleet ; ravaged  the  borders  of  Tuscany, 
took  Sardinia,  and  reduced  Rome  to  such  extremity,  by  shutting  up  the 
sea,  that  he  compelled  the  Romans  to  demand  a peace  from  Pompey.  In 
716,  Menas  became  suspected  by  Pompey,  who  commanded  him  to  give 
an  account  of  his  administration.  He  refused  to  obey ; put  the  persons 
to  death  whom  Pompey  had  sent ; and  surrendered  himself  to  Octavius, 
with  his  ships,  his  troops,  and  the  islands  of  Corsica  and  Sardinia.  The 
triumvir  received  him  with  open  arms,  and  put  him  on  board  his  fleet  in 
quality  of  lieutenant  to  Calvisius  Sabinus.  He  there  behaved  himself 
with  so  much  courage  and  conduct,  in  the  expeditions  of  the  following 
year,  that,  inflamed  with  his  success,  and  angry  that  he  had  not  the  su- 
preme command,  he  returned  to  Pompey. 

In  718,  discontented  that  he  was  not  regarded  equally  to  his  merit,  he 
ranged  himself,  with  a large  number  of  vessels,  on  the  side  of  Octavius, 
who  had  made  him  some  advantageous  offers,  yet  never  employed  him 
afterward  but  with  much  reserve.  He  was  killed  the  following  year  in 
a sea-fight.  Ed.  Dublin. 

13  Ibericis  funibus.  A Spanish  herb,  called  spartum , had  fibers  so 
pliant  and  strong,  that  ropes  were  made  of  it ; from  whence  a Spanish 
cord  became  a general  name.  Toril 


118 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ode.  y. 


that  pass  and  repass  turns  their  looks  on  thee  ? This  fel- 
low, [say  they,]  cut  with  the  triumvir’s  whips,14  even  till  the 
beadle  was  sick  of  his  office,  plows  a thousand  acres  of  Faler- 
nian  land,16  and  wears  out  the  Appian  road  with  his  nags ; and, 
in  despite  of  Otho,lc  sits  in  the  first  rows  [of  the  circus]  as  a 
knight  of  distinction.  To  what  purpose  is  it,  that  so  many 
brazen-beaked  ships  of  immense  bulk  should  be  led  out  against 
pirates  and  a band  of  slaves,  while  this  fellow,  this  is  a military 
tribune  ? 


ODE  Y. 

THE  WITCHES  MANGLING  A BOV. 

But  oh,  by  all  the  gods  in  heaven,  who  rule  the  earth  and 
human  race,  what  means  this  tumult?17  And  what  the  hideous 
looks  of  all  these  [hags,  fixed]  upon  me  alone  ? I conjure 
thee  by  thy  children  (if  invoked  Lucina  was  ever  present  at 
any  real  birth  of  thine),  I [conjure]  thee  by  this  empty  honor 
of  my  purple,18  by  Jupiter,  who  must  disapprove  these 

14  Sectus  flagellis  triumvir alibus.  There  were  three  judges  in  Rome, 
who  took  cognizance  of  all  petty  crimes,  and  who  ordered  slaves  and 
thieves  to  be  chastised  in  their  presence.  The  person  against  whom  this 
ode  was  written  had  gone  through  this  discipline,  until  the  beadle,  who 
used  to  proclaim  the  fault  for  which  the  criminals  were  punished,  was 
tired  of  his  office.  Prceconis  ad  fastidium. 

15  Aral  Falerni,  etc.  Here  are  two  reasons  for  this  popular  indigna- 
tion, that  this  fellow  should  possess  a thousand  acres  of  land,  when  the 
ancient  laws  allowed  the  Roman  citizen  no  more  than  seven ; and  that 
these  thousand  acres  should  lie  in  such  a country  as  Campania ; a coun- 
try so  fertile,  that  Bacchus  and  Ceres  were  said  to  have  disputed  the 
possession  of  it.  Tore.  Dac. 

16  According  to  the  law  of  L.  Roscius  Otho,  passed  A.  u.  C.  686,  four- 
teen rows  of  benches,  immediately  over  the  orchestra,  a place  where  the 
senate  sat,  were  appropriated  in  the  theater  and  amphitheater  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  the  knights.  As  the  tribunes  of  the  soldiers  had  an 
equal  right  with  the  Equites,  they  were  entitled  to  seats  in  this  same 
quarter ; and  hence  the  individual  to  whom  the  poet  alludes,  though  of 
servile  origin,  boldly  takes  his  place  on  the  foremost  of  the  equestrian 
benches,  nor  fears  the  law  of  Otho.  Anthon. 

17  Tumultus.  This  word,  in  a moral  sense,  carries  always  an  idea  of 
a criminal  conspiracy.  The  boy  sees  a sentence  of  death  in  the  eyes  of 
the  witches.  Torr. 

18  Per  hoc  inane  pur  pur  oe  decus . Children  of  quality  wore  a robe  bor- 


ODE  V. 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


119 


proceedings,  why  dost  thou  look  at  me  as  a step-mother,  or  as 
a wild  beast  stricken  with  a dart  ? While  the  boy  made  these 
complaints  with  a faltering  voice,  he  stood  with  his  bandages19 
of  distinction  taken  from  him,  a tender  frame,  such  as  might 
soften  the  impious  breasts  of  the  cruel  Thracians ; Canidia., 
having  interwoven  her  hair  and  uncombed  head  with  little 
vipers,  orders  wild20  fig-trees  torn  up  from  graves,  orders 
funeral  cypresses  and  eggs  besmeared  with  the  gore  of  a loath- 
some toad,  and  feathers  of  the  nocturnal  screech-owl,  and  those 
herbs,  which  Iolchos,  and  Spain,  fruitful  in  poisons,  transmits, 
and  bones  snatched  from  the  mouth  of  a hungry  bitch,  to  be 
burned  in  Colchian  flames.  But  Sagana,  tucked  up  • for  ex- 
pedition, sprinkling  the  waters  of  Avernus  all  over  the  house, 
bristles  up  with  her  rough  hair  like  a sea-urchin,  or  a bora 
in  the  chase.  Veia,  deterred  by  no  remorse  of  conscience, 
groaning  with  the  toil,  dug  up  the  ground  with  the  sharp 
spade  ; where  the  boy,  fixed  in,  might  long  be  tormented  to 
death  at  the  sight  of  food  varied  two  or  three  times  in  a day  : 
while  he  stood  out  with  his  face,  just  as  much  as  bodies  sus- 
pended by  the  chin  [in  swimming]  project  from  the  water, 
that  his  parched  marrow  and  dried  liver  might  be  a charm 
for  love ; when  once  the  pupils  of  his  eyes  had  wasted  away, 
fixed  on  the  forbidden  food.  Both  the  idle  Naples,  and  every 
neighboring  town  believed,  that  Folia  of  Ariminum,  [a  witch] 
of  masculine  lust,  was  not  absent : she,  who  with  her  Thes- 
salian incantations  forces  the  charmed  stars  and  the  moon 
from  heaven.21  Here  the  fell  Canidia,  gnawing  her  unpaired 

dered  with  purple,  until  they  were  fifteen  years  of  age.  The  boy,  there- 
fore, conjures  Canidia  by  this  robe,  which  showed  his  youth  and  quality, 
which  was  in  itself  esteemed  sacred,  and  should  therefore  protect  him 
from  danger.  The  Romans,  with  regard  to  this  robe,  used  the  expres- 
sion majestas  pueritice,  the  majesty  of  childhood.  Torr.  Dac. 

19  Oonstitit  insignibus  roptis.  His  robe  and  bulla  (which  was  hung 
round  his  neck,  and  made  of  gold  or  silver  in  form  of  a heart)  are  by  the 
poet  called  insignia. 

20  Jubet  sepulcris  caprificos  erutas.  Here  Canidia  calls  for  the  drugs 
that  witches  were  supposed  to  use  in  composing  their  philters.  She 
commands  the  wild  fig-tree  to  be  brought,  because  it  bears  neither  fruit 
nor  flower,  and  is  esteemed  unlucky  and  ill-omened.  To  make  the 
charm  more  powerful,  it  must  grow  in  a burying-place,  and  be  torn  up 
by  the  roots.  Dac. 

21  That  the  moon  could  be  brought  down  by  magic  was  a common 
superstition  among  the  ancients,  and  the  Thessalians  were  thought  to  be 
possessed  of  this  art  more  than  any  other  people.  Anthon. 


120 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  V. 


thumb  with  her  livid  teeth,  what  said  she  ? or  what  did  she 
not  say  ? O ye  faithful  witnesses  to  my  proceedings,  Night 
and  Diana,  who  presidest  over  silence,  when  the  secret  rites 
are  celebrated : now,  now  be  present,  now  turn  your  anger 
and  power  against  the  houses  of  our  enemies,  while  the  savage 
wild  beasts  lie  hid  in  the  woods,  dissolved  in  sweet  repose ; 
let  the  dogs  of  Suburra  (which  may  be  matter  of  ridicule  for 
every  body)  bark  at  the  aged  profligate,  bedaubed  with  oint- 
ment, such  as  my  hands  never  made  any  more  exquisite. 
What  is  the  matter  ? Why  are  these  compositions  less  effica- 
cious than  those  of  the  barbarian  Medea  ? by  means  of  which 
she  made  her  escape,  after  having  revenged  herself  on  [Ja- 
son’s] haughty  mistress,  the  daughter  of  the  mighty  Creon ; 
when  the  garment,  a gift  that  was  infected  with  venom,  took 
off  his  new  bride  by  its  inflammatory  power.  And  yet  no 
herb,  nor  root  hidden  in  inaccessible  places,  ever  escaped  my 
notice.  [Nevertheless,]  he  sleeps  in  the  perfumed  bed  of 
every  harlot,  from  his  forgetfulness  [of  me].  Ah ! ah  ! he 
walks  free  [from  my  power]  by  the  charms  of  some  more 
knowing  witch.  Varus,  (oh  you  that  will  shortly  have  much 
to  lament !)  you  shall  come  back  to  me  by  means  of  unusual 
spells ; nor  shall  you  return  to  yourself  by  all  the  power  of 
Marsian  enchantments.22  I will  prepare  a stronger  philter: 
I will  pour  in  a stronger  philter  for  you,  disdainful  as  you 
are;  and  the  heaven  shall  subside  below  the  sea,  with  the 
earth  extended  over  it,  sooner  than  you  shall  not  burn  with 
love  for  me,  in  the  same  manner  as  this  pitch  [burns]  in  the 
sooty  flames.  At  these  words,  the  boy  no  longer  [attempted], 
as  before,  to  move  the  impious  hags  by  soothing  expressions ; 
but,  doubtful  in  what  manner  he  should  break  silence,  uttered 
Thyestean  imprecations.  Potions  [said  he]  have  a great 
efficacy  in  confounding  right  and  wrong,  but  are  not  able  to 
invert  the  condition  of  human  nature ; I will  persecute  you 
with  curses ; and  execrating  detestation  is  not  to  be  expiated 
by  any  victim.  Moreover,  when  doomed  to  death  I shall  have 
expired,  I will  attend  you  as  a nocturnal  fury ; and,  a ghost, 
I will  attack  your  faces  with  my  hooked  talons  (for  such  is 

22  Marsis  vocibus.  The  Marsi  had  the  same  character  of  witchcraft 
in  Italy,  as  the  Thessalians  had  in  Greece.  But  they  particularly  owed 
their  reputation  to  Marsus,  the  founder  of  their  nation,  who  was  the  son 
of  Circe. 


ODE  VI. 


EPODES  OF  HORACE, 


* 121 


the  power  of  those  divinities,  the  Manes),  and,  brooding  upon 
your  restless  breasts,  I will  deprive  you  of  repose  by  terror. 
The  mob,  from  village  to  village,  assaulting  you  on  every 
side  with  stones,  shall  demolish  you  filthy  hags.  Finally,  the 
wolves  and  Esquiline33  vultures  shall  scatter  abroad  your  un- 
buried limbs.  Nor  shall  this  spectacle  escape  the  observation 
of  my  parents,  who,  alas  ! must  survive  me. 


ODE  VI. 

AGAINST  CASSIUS  SEVERUS. 

0 cur,  thou  coward  against  wolves,  why  dost  thou  persecute 
innocent  strangers  ? Why  do  you  not,  if  you  can,  turn  your 
empty  yelpings  hither,  and  attack  me,  who  will  bite  again  ? 
For,  like  a Molossian,24  or  tawny  Laconian  dog,  that  is  a 
friendly  assistant  to  shepherds,  I will  drive  with  erected  ears 
through  the  deep  snows  every  brute  that  shall  go  before  me. 
You,  when  you  have  filled  the  grove  with  your  fearful  bark- 
ing, you  smell  at  the  food  that  is  thrown  to  you.  Have  a 
care,  have  a care ; for,  very  bitter  against  bad  men,  I exert 
my  ready  horns  uplift ; like  him  that  was  rejected  as  a son- 
in-law  by  the  perfidious  Lycambes,  or  the  sharp  enemy  of 
Bupalus.  What,  if  any  cur  attack  me  with  malignant  tooth, 
shall  I,  without  revenge,  blubber  like  a boy  ? 

23  Esquilince  alites.  The  Esquilian  Hill  was  a place  of  public  execu- 
tions, and  the  poor  of  Rome  were  buried  there,  in  ditches  called  puticuli. 
The  birds,  which  came  to  this  hill,  to  prey  upon  carcasses  of  criminals, 
are  called  Esquilince  alites.  Cruq. 

24  The  Molossian  and  Laconian  dogs  were  of  a robust  make,  and  valu- 
able as  well  in  hunting  wild  beasts,  as  in  defending  the  flocks  from  noc- 
turnal thieves,  and  from  the  attacks  of  wolves.  The  Molossi  occupied 
the  north-eastern  part  of  Epirus.  Yirgil  (Geor.  iii.  405)  characterizes 
both  species,  uVeloces  Spartse  catulos  acremque  Molossum  Pasce  sero 
pingui.”  Shakespeare  praises  the  former.  M.  N.  D.  iv.  11: 

My  hounds  are  bred  out  of  the  Spartan  breed.  Anthon. 

6 


122 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  TIL 


ODE  VII. 

TO  THE  ROMAN  PEOPLE.25 

Whither,  whither,  impious  men  are  you  rushing?  Or  why 
are  the  swords  drawn,26  that  were  [so  lately]  sheathed  ? Is 
there  too  little  of  Roman  blood  spilled  upon  land  and  sea  ? 
[And  this,]  not  that  the  Romans  might  burn  the  proud 
towers  of  envious  Carthage,  or  that  the  Britons,  hitherto  un- 
assailed, might  go  down27  the  sacred  way  bound  in  chains  :28 
but  that,  agreeably  to  the  wishes  of  the  Parthians,  this  city 
may  fall  by  its  own  might.  This  custom  [of  warfare]  never 
obtained  even  among  either  wolves  or  savage  lions,  unless 
against  a different  species.  Does  blind  phrenzy,  or  your 
superior  valor,  or  some  crime,  hurry  you  on  at  this  rate  ? 
Give  answer.  They  are  silent:  and  wan  paleness  infects 
their  countenances,  and  their  stricken  souls  are  stupefied. 
This  is  the  case  : a cruel  fatality  and  the  crime  of  fratricide 

s5  After  the  defeat  of  Brutus  and  Cassius,  the  death  of  Sextus  Pom- 
peius,  and  the  resignation  of  Lepidus,  Octavius  and  Antony  alone  re- 
mained in  a condition  of  disputing  the  sovereign  power.  Sometimes 
Octavia,  sometimes  their  common  friends  reconciled  them ; but,  at  length, 
they  came  to  an  open  rupture,  in  the  year  722,  when  all  the  forces  of  the 
republic  were  armed  to  give  the  last  stroke  to  Roman  liberty.  During 
these  preparations,  Horace  composed  five  or  six  odes  on  this  subject. 
His  design  here  is,  to  represent  to  both  parties  the  horrors  of  their 
criminal  dissensions,  which  threatened  their  common  country  with  total 
ruin.  San. 

26  Enses  conditi.  Peace  had  sheathed  their  swords  ever  since  the 
death  of  Sextus  Pompeius,  that  is,  for  more  than  two  years.  San. 

27  j Descenderet.  From  the  top  of  the  sacred  street  they  went  down- 
ward to  the  forum,  and  the  way  from  thence  ascended  to  the  Capitol. 
This  ascent  was  called  Clivus  Capitolinus.  Lamb. 

23  Intactus  Britannus.  Julius  Csesar  was  the  first  of  the  Romans  who 
carried  his  arms  into  Britain ; and,  although  Suetonius  tells  us  that  he 
obliged  the  Britons  to  give  hostages,  and  imposed  tributes  upon  them, 
yet  we  may  say  that  he  rather  opened  a way  for  his  successors  into  the 
island,  than  that  he  conquered  it ; or  perhaps  it  was  never  totally  sub- 
dued by  the  Romans.  In  the  time  of  Horace,  the  reduction  of  this  people 
was  considered  as  a new  conquest,  reserved  for  the  arms  of  Augustus, 
from  whence  the  poet  here  calls  them  intacti , as  he  always  mentions 
them  with  epithets  of  terror,  which  represent  them  as  a nation  formidable 
to  the  Romans,  even  in  the  highest  strength  and  glory  of  their  republic. 
Ed.  Dublin. 


ODE  VIII.  IX. 


ERODES  OP  HORACE. 


123 


have  disquieted  the  Romans,  from  that  time  when  the  blood 
of  the  innocent  Remus,  to  be  expiated  by  his  descendants,  was 
spilled  upon  the  earth. 


ODE  VIII. 

UPON  A WANTON  OLD  WOMAN. 

Can  you,  grown  rank  with  lengthened  age,  ask  what  un- 
nerves my  vigor  t When  your  teeth  are  black,  and  old  age 
withers  your  brow  with  wrinkles:  and  your  back  sinks 
between  your  staring  hip-bones,  like  that  of  an  unhealthy 
cow.  But,  forsooth ! your  breast  and  your  fallen  chest,  full 
well  resembling  a broken-backed  horse,  provoke  me ; and  a 
body  flabby,  and  feeble  knees  supported  by  swollen  legs. 
May  you  be  happy : and  may  triumphal  statues  adorn  your 
funeral  procession:  and  may  no  matron  appear  in  public 
abounding  with  richer  pearls.  What  follows,  because  the 
Stoic  treatises29  sometimes  love  to  be  on  silken  pillows  ? Are 
unlearned  constitutions  the  less  robust  ? Or  are  their  limbs 
less  stout  ? But  for  you  to  raise  an  appetite,  in  a stomach 
that  is  nice,  it  is  necessary  that  you  exert  every  art  of 
language. 


ODE  IX. 

TO  MAECENAS.80 

When,  O happy  Maecenas*  shall  I,  overjoyed  at  Caesar’s 
being  victorious,  drink  with  you  under  the  stately  dome  (for 
so  it  pleases  Jove)  the  Caecuban  reserved  for  festal  entertain- 
ments, while  the  lyre  plays  a tune,  accompanied  with  flutes, 
that  in  the  Doric,  these  in  the  Phrygian  measure  ? As  lately, 

39  “It  was  a common  custom  to  place  such  books  on  the  pillows,  that, 
when  the  favored  one  came,  the  lady  might  pretend  that  philosophy,  not 
pleasure,  was  the  object  of  her  attention.”  Schol. 

30  The  date  of  this  piece  can  not  be  disputed,  since  the  battle  of  Actium, 
which  is  the  subject  of  it,  was  fought  on  the  12th  of  September,  *723.  San. 


124 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  X. 


when  the  Neptunian  admiral,  driven  from  the  sea,  and  his 
navy  burned,  fled,  after  having  menaced  those  chains  to 
Rome,  which,  like  a friend,  he  had  taken  off  from  perfidious 
slaves.31  The  Roman  soldiers  (alas ! ye,  our  posterity,  will 
deny  the  fact),  enslaved  to  a woman,  carry  palisadoes  and 
arms,  and  can  be  subservient  to  haggard  eunuchs ; and  among 
the  military  standards,  oh  shame ! the  sun  beholds  an  [Egyp- 
tian] canopy.32  Indignant33  at  this,  the  Gauls  turned  two 
thousand  of  their  cavalry,  proclaiming  Caesar : and  the  ships 
of  the  hostile  navy,  going  off  to  the  left,  lie  by  in  port.  Hail, 
god  of  triumph ! Dost  thou  delay  the  golden  chariots  and 
untouched  heifers  ? Hail,  god  of  triumph ! You  neither 
brought  back  a general  equal  [to  Caesar],  from  the  Jugurthine 
war ; nor  from  the  African  [war,  him],  whose  valor  raised 
him  a monument  over  Carthage.  Our  enemy,  overthrown 
both  by  land  and  sea,  has  changed  his  purple  vestments  for 
mourning.  He  either  seeks  Crete,  famous  for  her  hundred 
cities,  ready  to  sail  with  unfavorable  winds;  or  the  Syrtes 
harassed  by  the  south  ; or  else  is  driven  by  the  uncertain  sea. 
Bring  hither,  boy,  larger  bowls,  and  the  Chian  or  Lesbian 
wine ; or,  what  may  correct  this  rising  qualm  of  mine,  fill  me 
out  the  Csecuban.  It  is  my  pleasure  to  dissipate  care  and 
anxiety  for  Caesar’s  danger  with  delicious  wine. 


ODE  X. 

AGAINST  MJ2VIUS. 

The  vessel,  that  carries  the  loathsome  Maevius,  makes  her 
departure  under  an  unlucky  omen.  Be  mindful,  O south 
wind,  that  you  buffet  it  about  with  horrible  billows.  May  the 
gloomy  east,  turning  up  the  sea,  disperse  its  cables  and  broken 
oars.  Let  the  north  arise  as  mighty  as  when  he  rives  the 

31  Servis  amicus  jperfidis.  Pompey  received  all  the  slaves  who  would 
enter  into  his  service,  and  the  desertion  was  so  great  through  Italy,  that 
the  vestals  offered  sacrifices  and  prayers  to  prevent  the  continuance  of 
it.  San. 

32  The  derivation  of  “ canopium”  is  amusing,  from  driving  away  gnats, 
K(t>vo)7rac.  Cf.  Orelli. 

33  But  Orelli  reads  “at  hoc,”  with  Fea. 


ODE  XI. 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


1 25 


quivering  oaks  on  the  lofty  mountains ; nor  let  a friendly  star 
appear  through  the  murky  night,  in  which  the  baleful  Orion 
sets : nor  let  him  be  conveyed  in  a calmer  sea,  than  was  the 
Grecian  band  of  conquerors,  when  Pallas  turned  her  rage 
from  burned  Troy  to  the  ship  of  impious  Ajax.  Oh  what  a 
sweat  is  coming  upon  your  sailors,  and  what  a sallow  paleness 
upon  you,  and  that  effeminate  wailing,  and  those  prayers  to 
unregarding  Jupiter ; when  the  Ionian  bay,  roaring  with  the 
tempestuous  south-west,  shall  break  your  keel ! But  if,  ex- 
tended along  the  winding  shore,  you  shall  delight  the  cormo- 
rants as  a dainty  prey,  a lascivious  he-goat  and  an  ewe-lamb 
shall  be  sacrificed  to  the  Tempests. 


ODE  XL 

TO  PECTIUS. 

It  by  no  means,  O Pectius,  delights  me  as  heretofore  to  write 
Lyric  verses,  being  smitten  with  cruel  love : with  love,  who 
takes  pleasure  to  inflame  me  beyond  others,  either  youths  or 
maidens.  This  is  the  third  December  that  has  shaken  the 
[leafy]  honors  from  the  woods,  since  I ceased  to  be  mad  for 
Inachia.  Ah  me ! (for  I am  ashamed  of  so  great  a misfor- 
tune) what  a subject  of  talk  was  I throughout  the  city  ! I re- 
pent too  of  the  entertainments,  at  which  both  a languishing 
and  silence  and  sighs,  heaved  from  the  bottom  of  my  breast, 
discovered  the  lover.  As  soon  as  the  indelicate  god  [Bac- 
chus] by  the  glowing  wine  had  removed,  as  I grew  warm, 
the  secrets  of  [my  heart]  from  their  repository,  I made  my 
complaints,  lamenting  to  you,  “Has  the  fairest  genius  of  a 
poor  man  no  weight  against  wealthy  lucre  ? Wherefore,  if  a 
generous  indignation  boil  in  my  breast,  insomuch  as  to  dis- 
perse to  the  winds  these  disagreeable  applications,  that  give 
no  ease  to  the  desperate  wound ; the  shame  [of  being  over- 
come] ending,  shall  cease  to  contest  with  rivals  of  such  a 
sort.”34  When  I,  with  great  gravity,  had  applauded  these 
resolutions  in  your  presence,  being  ordered  to  go  home,  I was 
carried  with  a wandering  foot  to  posts,  alas ! to  me  not 

34  “ Imparibus,  qui  inferiores  quam  ego  sunt.”  Orelli. 


126 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  XII. 


friendly,  and  alas!  obdurate  gates,  against  which  I bruised 
my  loins  and  side.  Now  my  affections  for  the  delicate  Lyciscus 
engross  all  my  time : from  them  neither  the  unreserved  admo- 
nitions, nor  the  serious  reprehensions  of  other  friends,  can 
recall  me  [to  my  former  taste  for  poetry] ; but,  perhaps, 
either  a new  flame  for  some  fair  damsel,  or  for  some  graceful 
youth  who  binds  his  long  hair  in  a knot,35  [may  do  sc7 


ODE  XII. 

TO  A WOMAN  WHOSE  CHARMS  WERE  OVER. 

What  would  you  be  at,  you  woman  fitter  for  the  swarthy 
monsters  ?36  Why  do  you  send  tokens,  why  billet-doux  to  me, 
and  not  to  some  vigorous  youth,  and  of  a taste  not  nice  ? For 
I am  one  who  discerns  a polypus  or  fetid  ramminess,  however 
concealed,  more  quickly  than  the  keenest  dog  the  covert  of 
the  boar.  What  sweatiness,  and  how  rank  an  odor  every 
where  rises  from  her  withered  limbs  ! when  she  strives  to  lay 
her  furious  rage  with  impossibilities ; now  she  has  no  longer 
the  advantage  of  moist  cosmetics,  and  her  color  appears  as  if 
stained  with  crocodile’s  ordure ; and  now,  in  wild  impetuosity, 
she  tears  her  bed,  bedding,  and  all  she  has.  She  attacks  even 
my  loathings  in  the  most  angry  terms: — “You  are  always 
less  dull  with  Inachia  than  me : in  her  company  you  are 
threefold  complaisance ; but  you  are  ever  unprepared  to 
oblige  me  in  a single  instance.  Lesbia,  who  first  recommended 
you — so  unfit  a help  in  time  of  need — may  she  come  to  an 
ill  end ! when  Coan  Amyntas  paid  me  his  addresses ; who  is 
ever  as  constant  in  his  fair-one’s  service,  as  the  young  tree  to 
the  hill  it  grows  on.  For  whom  were  labored  the  fleeces  of 
the  richest  Tyrian  dye  ? For  you  ? Even  so  that  there  was  not 
one  in  company,  among  gentlemen  of  your  own  rank,  whom 
his  own  wife  admired  preferably  to  you : oh,  unhappy  me, 
whom  you  fly,  as  the  lamb  dreads  the  fierce  wolves,  or  the 
she-goats  the  lions!” 

35 See  Orelli.  Others  interpret,  “with  loose  curls.” 

36  i.  e.  elephants.  According  to  Isidorus,  Orig.  12,  2,  14,  the  Indians 
call  an  elephant  “barrus,”  its  cry  or  voice  “barritus.”  Orelli. 


ODE  XIII.  XIV. 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


127 


ODE  XIII. 

TO  A FRIEND. 

A horrible  tempest  lias  condensed  the  sky,  and  showers  and 
snows  bring  down  the  atmosphere  : now  the  sea,  now  the 
woodsv  bellow  with  the  Thracian  north  wind.  Let  us,  my 
friends,  take  occasion  from  the  day ; and,  while  our  knees  are 
vigorous,  and  it  becomes  us,  let  old  age  with  his  contracted 
forehead  become  smooth.  Do  you  produce  the  wine,  that  was 
pressed  in  the  consulship  of  my  Torquatus.  Forbear  to  talk 
of  any  other  matters.  * The  deity,  perhaps,  will  reduce  these 
[present  evils]-  to  your  former  [happy]  state  by  a propitious 
change.  Now  it  is  fitting  both  to  be  bedewed  with  Persian* 
perfume,  and  to  relieve  our  breasts  of  dire  vexations  by  the 
lyre,  sacred  to  Mercury.  Like  as  the  noble  Centaur,  [Chiron,] 
sung  to  his  mighty  pupil : “ Invincible  mortal,  son  of  the  god- 
dess Thetis,  the  land  of  Assaracus  awaits  you,  which  the 
cold  currents  of  little  Scamander  and  swift-gliding  Simois 
divide : whence  the  fatal  sisters  have  broken  off  your  return, 
by  a thread  that  can  not  be  altered : nor  shall  your  azure 
mother  convey  you  back  to  your  home.  There  [then]  by  wine 
and  music,  sweet  consolations,37  drive  away  every  symptom  of 
hideous  melancholy.” 


ODE  XIV. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

You  kill  me,  my  courteous  Maecenas,  by  frequently  inquiring, 
why  a soothing  indolence  has  diffused  as  great  a degree  of 
forgetfulness  on  my  inmost  senses,  as  if  I had  imbibed  with 
a thirsty  throat  the  cups  that  bring  on  Lethean  slumbers.  For 
the  god,  the  god  prohibits  me  from  bringing  to  a conclusion 
the  verses  I promised  [you,  namely  those]  iambics  which  I 

37  Orelli  has  completely  established  this  meaning  of  “alloquiis,”  from 
Varro  L.  L.  6,  § 5*7 ; Catull.  5;  Ovid.  Trist.  i.  8,  17. 


128 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  XV. 


had  begun.  In  the  same  manner  they  report  that  Anacreon 
of  Teios  burned  for  the  Samian  Bathyllus ; who  often  lamented 
his  love  to  an  inaccurate  measure  on  a hollow  lyre.  You  are 
violently  in  love  yourself ; but  if  a fairer  flame  did  not  burn 
besieged  Troy,  rejoice  in  your  lot.  Phryne,  a freed-woman, 
and  not  content  with  a single  admirer,  consumes  me. 


ODE  XV. 

TO  NE^ERA. 

It  was  night,  and  the  moon  shone  in  a serene  sky  among  the 
lesser  stars ; when  you,  about  to  violate  the  divinity  of  the 
great  gods,  swore  [to  be  true]  to  my  requests,  embracing  me 
with  your  pliant  arms  more  closely  than  the  lofty  oak  is  clasped 
by  the  ivy ; that  wdiile  the  wolf  should  remain  an  enemy  to 
the  flock,38  and  Orion,  unpropitious  to  the  sailors,  should  trou- 
ble the  wintery  sea,  and  while  the  air  should  fan  the  unshorn 
locks  of  Apollo,  [so  long  you  vowed]  that  this  love  should  be 
mutual.  O Xesera,  who  shall  one  day  greatly  grieve  on  ac- 
count of  my  merit : for,  if  there  is  any  thing  of  manhood  in 
Horace,  he  will  not  endure  that  you  should  dedicate  your 
nights  continually  to  another,  whom  you  prefer;  and  exas- 
perated, he  will  look  out  for  one  who  will  return  his  love : 
and,  though  an  unfeigned  sorrow  should  take  possession  of 
you,  yet  my  firmness  shall  not  give  way  to  that  beauty  which 
has  once  given  me  disgust.39  But  as  for  you,  whoever  you 
be  who  are  more  successful  [than  me],  and  now  strut  proud 
of  my  misfortune ; though  you  be  rich  in  flocks  and  abundance 
of  land,  and  Pactolus40  flow  for  you,  nor  the  mysteries  of  Py- 

38  Bum  pecori  lupus.  This  was  probably  the  form  of  the  oath  which 
Horace  dictated  to  Neaera,  and  by  which  he  would  insinuate  that  earth, 
air,  and  skies  should  be  avengers  of  her  perjury,  as  they  were  witnesses 
of  her  oath.  Tore. 

39  Semel  offensce.  The  ancient  commentator  justly  remarks,  that  this 
epithet  offensce  is  a passive,  with  an  active  signification.  Offensa  forma 
therefore  signifies  forma , quee  me  offendit.  Ed.  Duel. 

40  A river  in  Lydia.  It  rises  in  Mount  Tmolus,  runs  into  the  Hermus, 
and  flows  along  with  it  to  the  HSgean  Sea,  not  far  from  Smyrna.  In 
the  time  of  Croesus,  this  river  rolled  from  the  mountains  a kind  of  gold- 
sand,  which  was  the  chief  cause  of  that  king’s  immense  riches.  Watson. 


ODE  XTI. 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


129 


thagoras,41  bom  again,  escape  you,  and  you  excel  Nireus  in 
beauty ; alas ! you  shall  [hereafter]  bewail  her  love  transferred 
elsewhere : but  I shall  laugh  in  my  turn. 


ODE  XVI. 

TO  THE  ROMAN  PEOPLE. 

Now  is  another  age  worn  away  by  civil  wars,42  and  Rome 
herself  falls  by  her  own  strength.  Whom  neither  the  border- 
ing Marsi  could  destroy,  nor  the  Etrurian  band  of  the  men- 
acing Porsena,  nor  the  rival  valor  of  Capua,  nor  the  bold 
Spartacus,  and  the  Gauls  perfidious  with  their  innovations : nor 
did  the  fierce  Germany  subdue  with  its  blue-eyed  youth,  nor 
Annibal,  detested  by  parents ; but  we,  an  impious  race,  whose 
blood  is  devoted  to  perdition,  shall  destroy  her : and  this  land 
shall  again  be  possessed  by  wild  beasts.  The  victorious  bar- 
barian, alas  ! shall  trample  upon  the  ashes  of  the  city,  and  the 
horsemen  shall  smite  it  with  the  sounding  hoofs ; and  (horrible 
to  see  !)  he  shall  insultingly  disperse  the  bones  of  Romulus, 
which  [as  yet]  are  free  from  the  injuries  of  wind  aud  sun.  Per- 
haps you  all  in  general,  or  the  better  part  of  you,  are  inquisi- 
tive to  know,  what  may  be  expedient,  in  order  to  escape  [such] 
dreadful  evils.  There  can  be  no  determination  better  than 
this ; namely,  to  go  wherever  our  feet  will  carry  us,  wherever 
the  south  or  boisterous  south-west  shall  summon  us  through 
the  waves ; in  the  same  manner  as  the  state  of  the  Phocseans49 

41  Nec  te  Pythagora>.  Horace  may  mean  natural  philosophy,  of  which 
Pythagoras  was  non  sordidus  auctor ; or  particularly  his  doctrince  of  the 
metempsychosis,  from  whence  he  calls  him  renatus.  Ed.  Dubl. 

42  Beilis  civilibus.  The  civil  wars  between  Marius  and  Sylla,  which 
began  in  666,  were  never  perfectly  extinguished  until  the  death  of  Antony, 
724.  Horace  therefore  says,  that  this  was  the  second  age  of  those  wars, 
because  they  had  commenced  in  the  preceding  century.  Ed.  Dubl. 

43  Exsecrata.  The  Phocaeans  being  besieged  by  Harpagus,  general  of 
the  Persians,  demanded  one  day’s  truce  to  deliberate  upon  the  proposi- 
tions which  he  had  sent  to  them,  and  desired  that  he  would  draw  off  his 
army  from  their  walls.  As  soon  as  Harpagus  had  consented,  they  car- 
ried their  most  valuable  effects,  their  wives  and  children,  aboard  their 
ships.  Then  throwing  a man  of  glowing  iron  into  the  sea,  they  bound 
themselves  by  oath  never  to  return  to  their  country  until  that  mass  should 
rise  to  the  surface  of  the  water.  From  hence  a Grecian  proverb,  “As 

6* 


130 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  XVL 


fled,  after  having  uttered  execrations  [against  such  as  should 
return],  and  left  their  fields  and  proper  dwellings  and  temples 
to  be  inhabited  by  boars  and  ravenous  wolves.  Is  this  agree- 
able ? has  any  one  a better  scheme  to  advise  ? Why  do  we 
delay  to  go  on  shipboard  under  an  auspicious  omen  ? But 
first  let  us  swear  to  these  conditions — the  stones  shall  swim 
upward,  lifted  from  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  as  soon  as  it  shall 
not  be  impious  to  return ; nor  let  it  grieve  us  to  direct  our 
sails  homeward,  when  the  Po  shall  wash  the  tops  of  the  Ma- 
tinian  summits ; or  the  lofty  Apennine  shall  remove  into  the 
sea,  or  a miraculous  appetite  shall  unite  monsters  by  a strange 
kind  of  lust ; insomuch  that  tigers  may  delight  to  couple  with 
hinds,  and  the  dove  be  polluted  with  the  kite ; nor  the  simple 
herds  may  dread  the  brindled  lions,  and  the  he-goat,  grown 
smooth,  may  love  the  briny  main.  After  having  sworn  to 
these  things,  and  whatever  else  may  cut  off  the  pleasing  hope 
of  returning,  let  us  gor  the  whole  city  of  us,  or  at  least  that 
part  which  is  superior  to  the  illiterate  mob : let  the  idle  and 
despairing  part  remain  upon  these  inauspicious  habitations. 
Ye,  that  have  bravery,  away  with  effeminate  grief,  and  fly 
beyond  the  Tuscan  shore.  The  ocean  encircling  the  land 
awaits  us;  let  us  seek  the  happy  plains,  and  prospering 
islands,  where  the  untilled  land  yearly  produces  corn,  and  the 
unpruned  vineyard  punctually  flourishes ; and  where  the 
branch  of  the  never-failing  olive  blossoms  forth,  and  the  pur- 
ple fig  adorns  its  native  tree : honey  distills  from  the  hollow 
oaks ; the  light  water  bounds  down  from  the  high  mountains 
with  a murmuring  pace.  There  the  she-goats  come  to  the 
milk-pails  of  their  own  accord,  and  the  friendly  flock  return 
with  their  udders  distended  ; nor  does  the  bear  at  evening 
growl  about  the  sheepfold,  nor  does  the  rising  ground  swell 
with  vipers : and  many  more  things  shall  we,  happy  [Romans], 
view  with  admiration  : how  neither  the  rainy  east  lays  waste 
the  corn-fields  with  profuse  showers,  nor  is  the  fertile  seed 
burned  by  a dry  glebe;  the  king  of  gods  moderating  both 
[extremes].  The  pine  rowed  by  the  Argonauts  never  at- 
tempted to  come  hither ; nor  did  the  lascivious  [Medea]  of 

long  as  the  Phocsean  mass  of  iron  shall  continue  at  the  bottom  of  the 
ocean.”  Their  story  is  told  by  Herodotus  and  Strabo.  Dublin  Editor. 
Orelli  observes  that  exsecrata  is  the  middle  voice,  —cum,  se  diris  de- 
vovisset. 


ode  xrn, 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


131 


Colcliis  sot  her  foot  [in  this  place] : hither  the  Sidonian 
mariners  never  turned  their  sail-yards,  nor  the  toiling  crew  of 
Ulysses.  No  contagious  distempers  hurt  the  flocks ; nor  does 
the  fiery  violence  of  any  constellation  scorch  the  herd.  Ju- 
piter set  apart  those  shores  for  a pious  people,  when  he  debased 
the  golden  age  with  brass : with  brass,  then  with  iron  he  hard- 
ened the  ages ; from  which  there  shall  be  a happy  escape  for 
the  good,  according  to  my  predictions. 


ODE  XVII. 

DIALOGUE  BETWEEN  HORACE  AND  GANIDIA. 

Xow,  now  I yield  to  powerful  science ; and  suppliant  beseech 
thee  by  the  dominions  of  Proserpine,  and  by  the  inflexible 
divinity  of  Diana,  and  by  the  books  of  incantations  able  to  call 
down  the  stars  displaced  from  the  firmament ; O Canidia,  at 
length  desist  from  thine  imprecations,  and  quickly  turn,  turn 
back  thy  magical  machine.44  Telephus45  moved  [with  com- 
passion] the  grandson  of  Nereus,  against  whom  he  arrogantly 
had  put  his  troops  of  Mysians  in  battle-array,  and  against 
whom  he  had  darted  his  sharp  javelins.  The  Trojan  matrons 
embalmed  the  body  of  the  man-slaying  Hector,  which  had 
been  condemned  to  birds  of  prey,  and  dogs,  after  king  [Pri- 
am], having  left  the  walls  of  the  city,  prostrated  himself, 
alas ! at  the  feet  of  the  obstinate  Achilles.  The  mariners  of 
the  indefatigable  Ulysses  put  off  their  limbs,  bristled  with 
the  hard  skins  [of  swine],  at  the  will  of  Circe : then  their 
reason  and  voice  were  restored,  and  their  former  comeliness 

44  Citumque  retro.  Propertius  and  Martial  mention  a magical  instru- 
ment called  rhombus.  Theocritus  and  Lucian  tell  us,  that  it  was  made 
of  brass ; and  Ovid  says,  it  was  turned  round  by  straps  of  leather,  with 
which  it  was  bound.  This  is  probably  the  same  instrument  which  Horace 
calls  turbo,  and  he  beseeches  Canidia  to  turn  it  backward,  as  if  to  correct 
the  fatal  effects  which  it  produced  in  its  natural  course.  Torr. 

45  Telephus  was  king  of  Mysia.  When  the  Greeks  entered  his  country, 
in  their  passage  to  Troy,  he  opposed  them  vigorously ; but  being  wounded 
by  Achilles,  he  was  told  by  the  oracle,  that  he  could  only  be  cured  by 
the  same  weapon  with  which  he  was  wounded.  He  applied  to  Achilles, 
who,  scraping  his  lance,  poured  the  filings  into  his  wound.  Pliny  mentions 
a picture,  in  which  Achilles  was  painted  performing  the  cure.  Lamb. 


132 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


ODE  XVIL 


to  their  countenances.  I have  suffered  punishment  enough, 
and  more  than  enough,  on  thy  account,  O thou  so  dearly  be- 
loved by  the  sailors  and  factors.  My  vigor  is  gone  away, 
and  my  ruddy  complexion  has  left  me  ; my  bones  are  covered 
with  a ghastly  skin ; my  hair  with  your  preparations  is  grown 
hoary.  ISTo  ease  respites  me  from  my  sufferings  : night  presses 
upon  day,  and  day  upon  night : nor  is  it  in  my  power  to  re- 
lieve my  lungs,  which  are  strained  with  gasping.  Wherefore, 
wretch  that  I am,  I am  compelled  to  credit  (what  was  denied, 
by  me)  that  the  charms  of  the  Samnites  discompose  the  breast, 
and  the  head  splits  in  sunder  at  the  Marsian  incantations. 
What  wouldst  thou  have  more  ? O sea ! O earth  ! I burn  in 
such  a degree  as  neither  Hercules  did,  besmeared  with  the 
black  gore  of  Sfessus,  nor  the  fervid  flame  burning  in  the 
Sicilian  ^Etna.  Yet  you,  a laboratory40  of  Colchian  poisons, 
remain  on  fire,  till  I,  [reduced  to]  a dry  ember,  shall  be 
wafted  away  by  the  injurious  winds.  What  event,  or  what 
penalty  awaits  me  ? Speak  out : I will  with  honor  pay  the 
demanded  mulct;  ready  to  make  an  expiation,  whether  you 
should  require  a hundred  steers,  or  chose  to  be  celebrated  on 
a lying  lyre.  You,  a woman  of  modesty,  you,  a woman  of 
probity,  shall  traverse  the  stars,  as  a golden  constellation. 
Castor  and  the  brother  of  the  great  Castor,  offended  at  the 
infamy  brought  on  [their  sister]  Helen,  yet  overcome  by  en- 
treaty, restored  to  the  poet  his  eyes  that  were  taken  away 
from  him.  And  do  you  (for  it  is  in  your  power)  extricate  me 
from  this  frenzy ; O you,  that  are  neither  defiled  by  family 
meanness,  nor  skillful  to  disperse  the  ashes  of  poor  people,47 
after  they  have  been  nine  days  interred.48  You  have  an  hos- 

46  Officina.  The  ancient  Scholiast  has  well  explained  this  passage, 
ipsam  Canidiam  officinam  venenorum  disert'e  dixit;  Horace  calls  his  witch 
a shop  of  poisons,  as  we  call  a learned  man  a living  library.  Fran. 

47  Sepulchris  pauperum.  Acron  well  remarks,  that  Horace  only  means 
the  sepulchers  of  the  poor,  since  those  of  the  rich  were  surrounded  with 
walls,  to  protect  them  from  the  sacrilege  of  sorcerers.  Fran. 

48  Novendiales  pulveres.  Servius,  in  his  notes  upon  the  fifth  book  of 
Yirgil’s  iEneid,  says,  that  a dead  body  was  preserved  seven  days,  burned 
on  the  eighth,  and  interred  on  the  ninth ; and  that  Horace  intended  these 
ceremonies  in  the  present  passage.  This  explication,  although  contra- 
dicted by  Acron,  has  been  received  by  our  ablest  commentators ; yet 
there  is  little  probability  that  such  ceremonials  were  observed  in  tho 
funerals  of  poor  people,  of  whom  alone  the  poet  speaks  here.  He  seems 
rather  to  mean,  that  these  witches  dug  up  the  ashes  of  the  dead  nine 


ODE  XVII. 


EPODES  OF  HORACE. 


133 

pi  table  breast,  and  unpolluted  hands ; and  Pactumeius  is  your 
son,  and  thee  the  midwife  has  tended;  and,  whenever  you 
bring  forth,  you  spring  up  with  unabated  vigor. 

canidia’s  answer. 

Why  do  you  pour  forth  your  entreaties  to  ears  that  are 
closely  shut  [against  them]  ? The  wintery  ocean,  with  its 
briny  tempests,  does  not  lash  rocks  more  deaf  to  the  cries  of 
the  naked  mariners.  What,  shall  you,  without  being  made 
an  example  of,  deride  the  Cotyttian  mysteries,49  sacred  to  un- 
restrained love,  which  were  divulged  [by  you]  ? And  shall 
you,  [assuming  the  office]  of  Pontiff  [with  regard  to  my] 
Esquilian  incantations,  fill  the  city  with  my  name  unpunished  ? 
What  did  it  avail  me  to  have  enriched  the  Palignian  sorceress 
[with  niy  charms],  and  to  have  prepared  poison  of  greater 
expedition,  if  a slower  fate  awaits  you  than  is  agreeable  to  my 
wishes  ? An  irksome  life  shall  be  protracted  by  you,  wretch 
as  you  are,  for  this  purpose,  that  you  may  perpetually  be  able 
to  endure  new  tortures.  Tantalus,  the  perfidious  sire  of 
Pelops,  ever  craving  after  the  plenteous  banquet  [which  is 
always  before  him],  wishes  for  respite ; Prometheus,  chained 
to  the  vulture,  wishes  [for  rest] ; Sisyphus  wishes  to  place 
the  stone  on  the  summit  of  the  mountain : but  the  laws  of 
Jupiter  forbid.  Thus  you  shall  desire  at  one  time  to  leap 
down  from  a high  tower,  at  another  to  lay  open  your  breast 
with  the  Noric  sword ; and,  grieving  with  your  tedious  indis- 
position, shall  tie  nooses  about  your  neck  in  vain.  I at  that 
time  will  ride  on  your  odious  shoulders ; and  the  whole  earth 

days  after  they  were  interred ; and  perhaps  the  number  nine  might  have 
had  somewhat  mysterious  in  it,  which  was  thought  to  give  force  to  their 
enchantments.  The  laws  of  the  twelve  tables  had  nothing  determined 
concerning  the  number  of  days  which  a corpse  should  be  kept  before  it 
was  to  be  carried  out  to  burial.  San. 

49  Riseris  Cotyttia  vulgata. — Cotyttia  vulganda  ridendo  proposueris. 
Cotys,  or  Cotytto,  was  the  goddess  of  impurity ; and  although  she  did 
not  preside  over  assemblies  of  witches,  yet,  as  there  were  many  vile  and 
infamous  ceremonies  practiced  in  them,  the  poet  satirically  makes  Canidia 
call  them  the  feasts  of  Cotys.  Better  to  explain  his  design,  he  adds  liberi 
Gupidinis  sacrum , mysteries  of  a licentious  and  unbounded  love.  A 
Roman  proverb  calls  a person  of  dissolute  and  vicious  manners,  Cotyos 
contftbernalis,  a companion  of  Cotys.  Politian. 


134 


EPODES  OP  HORACE. 


ODE  XVII. 


sliall  acknowledge  my  unexampled  power.  What  shall  I, 
who  can  give  motion  to  waxen  images  (as  you  yourself,  in- 
quisitive as  you  are,  were  convinced  of)  and  snatch  the  moon 
from  heaven  by  my  incantations ; I,  who  can  raise  the  dead 
after  they  are  burned,  and  duly  prepare  the  potion  of  love, 
shall  I bewail  the  event  of  my  art  having  no  efficacy  upon 
you? 


THE  SECULAR  POEM 


OF 

HORACE. 


TO  APOLLO  AND  DIANA, 

Phcebus,  and  thou  Diana,  sovereign  of  the  woods,  ye  illus- 
trius  ornaments  of  the  heavens,  oh.  ever  worthy  of  adoration 
and  ever  adored,  bestow  what  we  pray  for  at  this  sacred 
season:  at  which  the  Sibylline  verses  have  given  directions, 
that  select  virgins  and  chaste  youths  should  sing  a hymn  to 
the  deities,  to  whom  the  seven  hills  [of  Rqme]  are  accept- 
able. 0 genial  sun,1  who  in  your  splendid  car  draw  forth 
and  obscure  the  day,  and  who  arise  another  and  the  same, 
may  it  never  be  in  your  power  to  behold  any  thing  more 
glorious  than  the  city  of  Rome  ! O Ilithyia,  of  lenient  power 
to  produce  the  timely  birth,  protect  the  matrons  [in  labor] ; 
whether  you  choose  the  title  of  Lucina,  or  Genitalis.  O 
goddess,  multiply  our  offspring ; and  prosper  the  decrees  of 
the  senate  in  relation  to  the  joining  of  women  in  wedlock, 
and  the  matrimonial  law2  about  to  teem  with  a new  race  ; that 

1 Alme  Sol.  It  was  a superstitious  custom  of  the  heathen  in  their 
hymns,  to  give  the  gods  all  their  different  names,  for  fear  of  omitting  any 
that  might  be  more  agreeable.  In  this  piece,  the  boys  call  the  son  of 
Latona,  Phoebe,  alme  Sol,  Apollo,  Augur , decoras  arcu,  acceptus  novem 
Camcenis;  and  the  girls  call  the  sister  of  this  god,  Ilithya,  Lucina,  Geni- 
talis, siderum  regina,  Diana,  and  Luna.  Fran. 

2 Lege  maritd.  In  the  year  736,  Augustus  made  a law  de  maritandis 
ordinibus,  in  which  he  proposed  rewards  to  those  who  would  marry,  and 
punishments  or  fines  for  those  who  continued  in  celibacy.  In  762,  he 
made  another  law,  by  the  consuls  Marcus  Papius  Mutilus,  and  Quintus 
Poppeus  Secundus.  The  first  called  the  Julian,  the  second,  the  Papian 
law.  They  were  intended  to  restore  to  Rome  the  number  of  her  citizens 
which  had  been  greatly  lessened  during  the  civil  wars ; yet  Augustus  only 
revived  those  ancient  ordinances  which  expressly  commanded  the  censors 


136 


THE  SECULAR  POEM  OF  HORACE. 


the  stated  revolution  of  a hundred  and  ten  years3  may  bring 
back  the  hymns  and  the  games,  three  times  by  bright  day- 
light restored  to  in  crowds,  and  as  often  in  the  welcome 
night.  And  you,  ye  fatal  sisters,  infallible  in  having  pre- 
dicted what  is  established,  and  what  the  settled  order  of 
things  preserves,  add  propitious  fates  to  those  already  past. 
Let  the  earth,  fertile  in  fruits  and  flocks,  present  Ceres  with  a 
sheafy  crown : may  both  salubrious  rains  and  Jove’s  air  cher- 
ish the  young  blood ! Apollo,  mild  and  gentle  %dth  your 
sheathed  arrows,  hear  the  suppliant  youths : O moon,  thou 
horned  queen  of  stars,  hear  the  virgins.  If  Rome  be  your 

not  to  permit  the  citizens  to  live  unmarried.  Ccelibes  esse  prohibento. 
T.iese  laws  as  equally  regarded  men  as  women;  but  the  choir  of  virgins 
nat  irally  mention  that  sex  alone  of  which  they  themselves  are  a part. 
Fr  vn. 

3 Undenos  decies  per  annos.  There  were  among  the  Latins  two  opinions 
concerning  the  duration  of  an  age.  Before  the  time  of  Augustus  it 
reckoned  exactly  a hundred  years,  and  the  Sibylline  Oracle,  which  then 
subsisted,  marked  precisely  the  same  number.  The  fifth  secular  games 
gave  occasion  to  a new  opinion.  Augustus,  persuaded  that  it  was  of  great 
consequence  to  the  state  not  to  omit  the  celebration  of  this  festival,  gave 
order  to  the  Sibylline  priests  to  consult  at  what  time  of  the  current  age  it 
ought  to  be  celebrated.  They  perceiving  that  it  had  been  neglected  in 
705,  under  Julius  Caesar,  were  anxious  to  find  some  way  of  covering 
their  fault,  that  they  might  not  be  thought  answerable  for  all  the  calami- 
ties of  the  civil  war.  Three  things  made  their  imposture  easy.  They 
were  the  sole  depositaries  of  the  Sibylline  books ; the  world  was  not  in 
general  agreed  upon  the  year  by  which  the  games  should  be  regulated ; 
and  it  was  divided  even  upon  the  date  of  those  in  which  they  had  formerly 
been  celebrated.  The  priests  did  not  fail  to  take  advantage  of  this 
diversity  of  sentiments  to  flatter  Augustus,  by  persuading  him  that  this 
secular  year  regularly  fell  upon  737.  To  this  purpose  they  published 
commentaries  upon  the  Sibylline  books,  in  which  they  proved  by  the  very 
words  of  the  Sibyl  (though  with  some  alteration  from  their  ancient  read- 
ing), that  an  age  ought  to  contain  a hundred  and  ten  years,  and  not  a 
hundred  only. 

The  authority  of  these  priests  being  infinitely  respected  by  a super- 
stitious people,  instantly  put  this  falsehood  into  the  place  of  truth,  with- 
out any  person  daring  to  contradict  it,  since  it  was  forbidden,  upon  pain 
of  death,  to  communicate  the  books  of  the  Sibyls.  The  Prince,  charmed 
to  see  that  the  gods  had  reserved  to  his  time  the  celebration  of  so  great  a 
festival,  immediately  supported  the  imposture  by  his  edicts  to  authorize 
the  discovery  of  the  priests.  Whether  in  flattery  or  credulity,  the  poet 
gave  himself  to  the  public  opinion ; and  indeed  he  must,  with  a very  bad 
grace,  have  followed  the  ancient  system  in  a poem  composed  by  order  of 
Augustus,  and  sung  in  the  presence  of  that  prince,  and  of  the  priests  in 
the  name  of  the  whole  empire.  Fran. 


TIIE  SECULAR  ROEM  OF  HORACE. 


137 


work,  and  the  Trojan  troops  arrived  on  the  Tuscan  slioro  (the 
part,  commanded  [by  your  oracles]  to  change  their  homes 
and  city)  by  a successful  navigation : for  whom  pious  AEneas, 
surviving  his  country,  secured  a free  passage  through  Troy, 
burning  not  by  his  treachery,  about  to  give  them  more 
ample  possessions  than  those  that  were  left  behind.  0 
ye  deities,  grant  to  the  tractable  youth  probity  of  manners ; 
to  old  age,  ye  deities,  grant  a pleasing  retirement;  to  the 
Boman  people,  wealth,  and  progeny,  and  every  kind  of  glory. 
And  may  the  illustrious  issue  of  Anchises  and  Venus,  who 
worships  you  with  [offerings  of]  white  bulls,  reign  superior 
to  the  warring  enemy,  merciful  to  the  prostrate.  Now  the 
Parthian,  by  sea  and  land,  dreads  our  powerful  forces  and  the 
Boman  axes : now  the  Scythians  beg  [to  know]  our  com- 
mands, and  the  Indians  but  lately  so  arrogant.  Now  truth, 
and  peace,  and  honor,  and  ancient  modesty,  and  neglected 
virtue  dare  to  return,  and  happy  plenty  appears,  with  her  horn 
full  to  the  brim.  Phoebus,  the  god  of  augury,  and  con- 
spicuous for  his  shinning  bow,4  and  dear  to  the  nine  muses,  who 
by  his  salutary  art  soothes  the  wearied  limbs  of  the  body  ; if 
he,  propitious,  surveys  the  Palatine  altars — may  he  prolong 
the  Boman  affairs,  and  the  happy  state  of  Italy  to  another 
lustrum,  and  to  an  improving  age.  And  may  Diana,  who 
possesses  Mount  Aventine  and  Algidus,  regard  the  prayers  of 
the  Quindecemvirs,5  and  lend  a gracious  ear  to  the  supplications 

4 Augur  et  fulgente,  etc.  Torrentius  observes  that  Horace  has  col- 
lected, in  these  four  verses,  the  four  principal  attributes  of  Apollo; 
divination,  archery,  music,  and  physic. 

5 Quindecim  virorum.  The  oracles,  which  concerned  the  Roman  em- 
pire, were  anciently  put  into  a coffer  of  stone,  and  deposited  in  a subter- 
raneous place  in  the  Capitol.  They  were  intrusted  to  the  care  of  two 
priests  called  duumviri  sacrorum , whose  principal  business  was  to  con- 
sult those  books  on  all  occasions  of  the  state,  but  never  without  a decree 
of  the  senate.  Tarquin  added  two  officers,  maintained  at  the  public  ex- 
pense, to  assist  and  watch  over  them  in  their  ministry.  In  388,  were 
added  eight  persons  to  the  two  first,  and  the  number  was  afterward 
augmented  to  fifteen,  from  whence  they  were  called  Decemviri  and 
Quindecemviri,  which  last  name  remained  when  they  were  multiplied  to 
forty,  and  even  to  sixty.  Caesar  added  a sixteenth,  and  the  senate  per- 
mitted Augustus  to  enlarge  the  number  as  he  pleased. 

The  Capitol  having  been  burned  in  671,  the  Sibylline  books  perished 
In  the  fire.  Sylla  rebuilt  the  Capitol,  and  the  senate  sent  three  deputies 
into  Ionia  to  collect  whatever  verses  of  the  Sibyl  Eritria  tradition  had 
preserved,  which  were  almost  a thousand.  Augustus  gathered  in  A sia 


138 


THE  SECULAR  POEM  OF  HORACE. 


of  the  youths.  We,  the  choir  taught  to  sing  the  praises  ot 
Phoebus  and  Diana,  bear  home  with  us  a good  and  certain  hope, 
that  Jupiter,  and  all  the  other  gods  are  sensible  of  these  our  sup- 
plications. 

Minor,  in  the  islands  of  the  ^Egean  Sea,  in  Africa,  and  the  colonies  of 
Italy,  more  than  two  thousand  volumes  of  Greek  and  Latin  verses,  which 
passed  under  the  name  of  the  Sibyls ; and  having  burned  all  that  the 
priests  judged  apocryphal,  he  placed  them,  with  those  which  he  took  out 
of  the  Capitol,  under  the  base  of  Apollo’s  statue,  in  the  temple  which  he 
had  erected  to  that  god.  They  continued  in  this  state  to  the  times  of 
Honorius,  who  ordered  Stilicon  to  burn  all  that  remained  of  these  pre* 
tended  Sibylline  verses.  Fran. 


THE  FIRST  BOOK 


OF  THE 

SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


SATIRE  I. 

That  all , but  especially  the  covetous,  think  their  own  condition  the  hardest. 

How  comes  it  to  pass,  Maecenas,  that  no  one  lives  content 
with  his  condition,  whether  reason  gave  it  him,  or  chance 
threw  it  in  his  way ; [but]  praises  those  who  follow  different 
pursuits  ? “O  happy  merchants  !”  says  the  soldier,  oppressed 
with  years,  and  now  broken  down  in  his  limbs  through  excess 
of  labor.  On  the  other  side,  the  merchant,  when  the  south 
winds  toss  his  ship  [cries],  “ Warfare  is  preferable for 
why  ? the  engagement  is  begun,  and  in  an  instant  there  comes 
a speedy  death  or  a joyful  victory.  The  lawyer  praises  the 
farmer’s  state  when  the  client  knocks  at  his  door  by  cock- 
crow. He  who,  having  entered  into  a recognizance,1  is  dragged, 
from  the  country  into  the  city,  cries,  “ Those  only  are  happy 
who  live  in  the  city.”  The  other  instances  of  this  kind  (they 
are  so  numerous)  would  weary  out  the  loquacious  Fabius  ;2 
not  to  keep  you  in  suspense,  hear  to  what  an  issue  I will  bring 
the  matter.  If  any  god  should  say,  “ Lo  ! I will  effect  what 
you  desire : you,  that  were  just  now  a soldier,  shall  be  a mer- 

1 Datis  vadibus.  In  some  suit,  the  farmer  had  given  bail  for  his  at- 
tendance on  the  day  appointed  for  the  trial.  The  persons  who  had  bound 
themselves  as  bail  for  his  appearance,  are  called  vades.  The  derivation 
of  the  word  is  supposed  to  be  vadere,  '‘to  go,”  because  the  person  who 
procures  such  persons  to  answer  for  his  appearance,  is  allowed  to  go  un- 
til the  day  of  the  trial.  M‘Caul. 

2 It  is  not  known  to  whom  Horace  alludes.  The  Scholiast  informs  us 
that  there  was  a knight  of  this  name,  a partisan  of  Pompey’s,  who  had 
written  some  treatises  on  the  doctrines  of*  the  Stoics,  and  who,  he  says, 
argued  sometimes  with  Horace  for  the  truth  of  the  principles  of  that  sect. 
M‘Caul. 


140 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  1. 


chant ; you,  lately  a lawyer  [shall  be]  a farmer.  Do  ye  depart 
one  way,  and  ye  another,  having  exchanged  the  parts  [you  are 
to  act  in  life.  How  now  ! Why  do  you  stand  ?”  They  are  un- 
willing ; and  yet  it  is  in  their  power  to  be  happy.  What  reason 
can  be  assigned,  but  that  Jupiter  should  deservedly  distend  both 
his  cheeks  in  indignation,  and  declare  that  for  the  future  he 
will  not  be  so  indulgent  as  to  lend  an  ear  to  their  prayers  ? But 
further,  that  I may  not  run  over  this  in  a laughing  manner, 
like  those  [who  treat]  on  ludicrous  subjects  (though  what  hin- 
ders one  being  merry,  while  telling  the  truth  ? as  good-natured 
teachers  at  first  give  cakes  to  their  boys,  that  they  may  be  will- 
ing to  learn  their  first  rudiments : raillery,  however,  apart,  let 
us  investigate  serious  matters)  He  that  turns  the  heavy  glebe 
with  the  hard  plowshare,  this  fraudulent  tavern-keeper,3 4 5  the  sol- 
dier, and  the  sailors,  who  dauntless  run  through  every  sea,  pro- 
fess that  they  endure  toil  with  this  intention,  that  as  old  men 
they  may  retire  into  a secure  resting-place,  when  once  they  have 
gotten  together  a sufficient  provision. 

Thus  the  little  ant  (for  she  is  an  example),  of  great  industry, 
carries  in  her  mouth  whatever  she  is  able,  and  adds  to  the  heap 
which  she  piles  up,  by  no  means  ignorant  and  not  careless  for 
the  future.  Which  [ant,  nevertheless],  as  soon  as  Aquarius 
saddens  the  changed  year,  never  creeps  abroad,  but  wisely  makes 
use  of  those  stores  which  were  provided  beforehand : while 
neither  sultry  summer,  nor  winter,  fire,  ocean,  sword,  can  drive 
you  from  gain.  You  surmount  every  obstacle,  that  no  other 
man  may  be  richer  than  yourself.  What  pleasure  is  it  for  you, 
trembling  to  deposit  an  immense  weight  of  silver  and  gold  in 
the  earth  dug  up  by  stealth  V Because,  if  you  should  lessen  it, 
it  may  be  reduced  to  a paltry  farthing. 

But  unless  that  be  the  case,  what  beauty  has  an  accumulated 
hoard  ? Though  your  thrashing-floor  should  yield*  a hundred 
thousand  bushels  of  corn,  your  belly  will  not  on  that  account 
contain  more  than  mine : just  as  if  it  were  your  lot  to  carry  on 
your  loaded  shoulder  the  basket  of  bread  among  slaves,  you 
would  receive  no  more  [for  your  own  share]  than  he  who  bore 

3 Hic—U  cujusmodi  quotidie  vides.”  Orelli.  See  the  other  com- 
mentators. 

4 i.  e.  to  hide  it. 

5 Literally,  “wear,”  “rub.”  There  is  an  ellipse  of  “si,”  as  in  Sat.  i. 
3;  ii.  4,  292;  Yirg.  JEn.  vi.  31.  M‘Caul. 


SAT.  I. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


141 


no  part  of  the  burthen.  Or  tell  me,  what  is  it  to  the  purpose 
of  that  man,  who  lives  within  the  compass  of  nature,  whether 
lie  plow  a hundred  or  a thousand  acres  ? 

“ But  it  is  still  delightful  to  take  out  of  a great  hoard.” 

While  you  leave  us  to  take  as  much  out  of  a moderate  store 
why  should  you  extol  your  granaries,  more  than  our  corn- 
baskets  ? As  if  you  had  occasion  for  no  more  than  a pitcher  or 
glass  of  water,  and  should  say,  “ I had  rather  draw  [so  much] 
from  a great  river,  than  the  very  same  quantity  from  this  little 
fountain.”  Hence  it  comes  to  pass,  that  the  rapid  Aufidus 
carries  away,  together  with  the  bank,  such  men  as  an  abundance 
more  copious  than  what  is  just  delights.  But  he  who  desires 
only  so  much  as  is  sufficient,  neither  drinks  water  fouled  with 
the  mud,  nor  loses  his  life  in  the  waves. 

But  a great  majority  of  mankind,  misled  by  a wrong  desire, 
cry,  “ No  sum  is  enough;  because  you  are  esteemed  in  pre- 
portion  to  what  you  possess.”  What  can  one  do  to  such  a 
tribe  as  this  ? Why,  bid  them  be  wretched,  since  their  inclina- 
tion prompts  them  to  it.  As  a certain  person  is  recorded  [to 
have  lived]  at  Athens,  covetous  and  rich,  who  was  wont  to  de- 
spise the  talk  of  the  people  in  this  manner  : “ The  crowd  hiss 
me  ; but  I applaud  myself  at  home,  as  soon  as  I contemplate 
my  money  in  my  chest.”  The  thirsty  Tantalus  catches  at  the 
streams,  which  elude  his  lips.  Why  do  you  laugh  ? The  name 
changed,  the  tale  is  told  of  you.  You  sleep  upon  your  bags, 
heaped  up  on  every  side,  gaping  over  them,  and  are  obliged  to 
abstain  from  them,  as  if  they  were  consecrated  things,  or  to 
amuse  yourself  with  them  as  you  would  with  pictures.  Are 
you  ignorant  of  what  value  money  has,  what  use  it  can  afford  ? 
Bread,  herbs,  a bottle  of  wine  may  be  purchased ; to  which 
[necessaries],  add  [such  others],  as,  being  withheld,  human  na- 
ture would  be  uneasy  with  itself.  What,  to  watch  half  dead 
with  terror,  night  and  day,  to  dread  profligate  thieves,  fire,  and 
your  slaves,  lest  they  should  run  away  and  plunder  you  ; is  this 
delightful  ? I should  always  wish  to  be  very  poor  in  possessions 
held  upon  these  terms. 

But  if  your  body  should  be  disordered  by  being  seized  with 
a cold,  or  any  other  casualty  should  confine  you  to  your  bed, 
have  you  one  that  will  abide  by  you,  prepare  medicines,  entreat 
the  physician  that  he  would  set  you  upon  your  feet,  and  restore 
you  to  your  children  and  dear  relations  ? 


142 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


Neither  your  wife,  nor  your  son,  desires  your  recovery ; all 
your  neighbors,  acquaintances,  [nay  the  very]  boys  and  girls 
hate  you.  Do  you  wonder  that  no  one  tenders  you  the  affec- 
tion which  you  do  not  merit,  since  you  prefer  your  money  to 
every  thing  else  ? If  you  think  to  retain,  and  preserve  as  friends, 
the  relations  which  nature  gives  you,  without  taking  any  pains  ; 
wretch  that  you  are,  you  lose  your  labor  equally,  as  if  any  one 
should  train  an  ass  to  be  obedient  to  the  rein,  and  run  in 
the  Campus  [Martius].  Finally,  let  there  be  some  end  to 
your  search  ; and,  as  your  riches  increase,  be  in  less  dread  of 
poverty;  and  begin  to  cease  from  your  toil,  that  being  ac- 
quired which  you  coveted  : nor  do  as  did  one  Umidius  (it  is 
no  tedious  story),  who  was  so  rich  that  he  measured  his  money, 
so  sordid  that  he  never  clothed  himself  any  better  than  a 
slave ; and,  even  to  his  last  moments,  was  in  dread  lest  want  of 
bread  should  oppress  him : but  his  freed-woman,  the  bravest 
of  all  the  daughters  of  Tyndarus,6  cut  him  in  two  with  a 
hatchet. 

“ What  therefore  do  you  persuade,  me  to  ? That  I should 
lead  the  life  of  Nsevius,  or  in  such  a manner  as  a Nomem 
tanus  ?” 

You  are  going  [now]  to  make  things  tally,  that  are  contra- 
dictory in  their  natures.7  When  I bid  you  not  be  a miser,  I 
do  not  order  you  to  become  a debauchee,  or  a prodigal. 
There  is  some  difference  between  the  case  of  Tanai's  and  his 
son-in-law  Yisellius  : there  is  a mean  in  things ; finally,  there 
are  certain  boundaries,  on  either  side  of  which  moral  rectitude 
can  not  exist.  I return  now  whence  I digressed.  Does  no 
one,  after  the  miser’s  example,  like  his  own  station,  but  rather 
praise  those  who  have  different  pursuits ; and  pines,  because 
his  neighbor’s  she-goat  bears  a more  distended  udder;  nor 
considers  himself  in  relation  to  the  greater  multitude  of  poor ; 
but  labors  to  surpass,  first  one,  and  then  another  ? Thus  the 
richer  man  is  always  an  obstacle  to  one  that  is  hastening  [to 
be  rich]  : as  when  the  courser  whirls  along  the  chariot,  dis- 

6 As  if  she  had  been  another  Clytaemnestra,  the  daughter  of  Tyndarus, 
who  cut  off  her  husband’s  head  with  an  ax.  Fortissimo,  Tyndaridarum , 
from  the  accusative  of  Tyndaris,  viz.  Tyndarida , comes  the  noun  Tyn - 
dorido , Tyndaridoe , etc.  Watson. 

7 Pugnantia  frontibus  adversis  means  what  we  express  by  “ diametri- 
cally opposite.”  The  allusion  in  Jr ontibus  adversis  is  to  a fight  between 
bulls  or  rams,  who  butt  each  otlier  with  their  heads.  M‘Caul. 


SAT.  II. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


143 


missed  from  the  place  of  starting ; the  charioteer  presses  upon 
those  horses  which  outstrip  his  own,  despising  him  that  is  left 
behind  coming  on  among  the  last.  Hence  it  is,  that  we  rarely 
find  a man  who  can  say  he  has  lived  happy,  and  content  with 
his  past  life,  can  retire  from  the  world  like  a satisfied  guest.8 
Enough  for  the  present : nor  will  I add  one  word  more,  lest 
you  should  suspect  that  I have  plundered  the  escrutoire  of  the 
blear-eyed  Crispinus. 


SATIRE  II. 

Bad  men,  when  they  avoid  certain  vices,  fall  into  their  opposite  extremes . 

The  tribes  of  female  flute-players,9  quacks,  vagrants,  mimics, 
blackguards;10  all  this  set  is  sorrowful  and  dejected  on  ac- 
count of  the  death  of  the  singer  Tigellius ; for  he  was  liberal 
[toward  them].  On  the  other  hand,  this  man,  dreading  to 
be  called  a spendthrift,  will  not  give  a poor  friend  wherewithal 
to  keep  off  cold  and  pinching  hunger.  If  you  ask  him  why 
he  wickedly  consumes  the  noble  estate  of  his  grandfather  and 
father  in  tasteless  gluttony,  buying  with  borrowed  money  all 
sorts  of  dainties ; he  answers,  because  he  is  unwilling  to  be 
reckoned  sordid,  or  of  a mean  spirit : he  is  praised  by  some, 
condemned  by  others.  Fufidius,  wealthy  in  lands,  wealthy  in 
money  put  out  at  interest,  is  afraid  of  having  the  character 
of  a rake  and  spendthrift.  This  fellow  deducts  5 per  cent. 
interest11  from  the  principal  [at  the  time  of  lending];  and, 

8 Cf.  Lucret.  iii.  951,  “ Cur  non,  ut  plenus  vitae  conviva  recedis?”  See 
Orelli. 

9 Ambubaiarum,  “Women. who  played  on  the  flute.”  It  is  derived 
from  a Syrian  word  ; for  the  people  of  that  country  usually  excelled  in 
this  instrument.  Pharmacopolce  is  a general  name  for  all  who  deal  in 
spices,  essence,  and  perfumes.  Torr. 

10  Mendici,  mimce,  balatrones.  The  priests  of  Isis  and  Cybele  were 
beggars  by  profession,  and  under  the  vail  of  religion  were  often  guilty  of 
the  most  criminal  excesses.  Mimce  were  players  of  the  most  debauched 
and  dissolute  kind ; and  balatrones,  in  general,  signifies  all  scoundrels, 
buffoons,  and  parasites,  who  had  their  name,  according  to  the  old  com- 
mentator, from  Servilius  Balatro.  Balatrones  hoc  genus  omne , for  omne 
hoc  balatronum  genus , is  a remarkable  sort  of  construction.  Torr  San. 

11  Quinas  hie  capiti  mer cedes  exsecat.  Caput  is  the  principal ; merces 
the  interest ; and  exsecare  is  to  deduct  the  interest  before  the  money  is 


144 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


the  more  desperate  in  his  circumstances  any  one  is,  the  more 
severely  he  pinches  him  : he  hunts  out  the  names12  of  young 
fellows  that  have  just  put  on  the  toga  virilis  under  rigid  fa- 
thers. Who  does  not  cry  out,  O sovereign  Jupiter  ! when  he 
has  heard  [of  such  knavery]  ? But  [you  will  say,  perhaps,] 
this  man  expends  upon  himself  in  proportion  to  his  gain. 
You  can  hardly  believe  how  little  a friend  he  is  to  himself: 
insomuch  that  the  father,  whom  Terence’s  comedy  introduces 
as  living  miserable  after  he  had  caused  his  son  to  run  away 
from  him,  did  not  torment  himself  worse  than  he  Now  if 
any  one  should  ask,  “ To  what  does  this  matter  tend  ?”  To 
this  : while  fools  shun  [one  sort  of]  vices,  they  fall  upon  their 
opposite  extremes.  Malthinus  walks  with  his  garments  trail- 
ing upon  the  ground  ; there  is  another  droll  fellow  who  [goes] 
with  them  tucked  up  even  to  his  middle  ; Rufillus  smells  like 
perfume  itself,  Gorgonius  like  a he-goat.  There  is  no  mean. 
There  are  some  who  would  not  keep  company  with  a lady, 
unless  her  modest  garment  perfectly  conceal  her  feet.  An- 
other, again,  will  only  have  such  as  take  their  station  in  a 
filthy  brothel.  When  a certain  noted  spark  came  out  of  a 
stew,  the  divine  Cato  [greeted]  him  with  this  sentence : 
“ Proceed  (says  he)  in  your  virtuous  course.  For,  when 
once  foul  lust  has  inflamed  the  veins,  it  is  right  for  young 
fellows  to  come  hither,  in  comparison  of  their  meddling  with 
other  men’s  wives.”  I should  not  be  willing  to  be  commended 
on  such  terms,  says  Cupiennius,  an  admirer  of  the  silken  vail. 

Ye,  that  do  not  wish  well  to  the  proceedings  of  adulterers, 
it  is  worth  your  while  to  hear  how  they  are  hampered  on  all 
sides ; and  that  their  pleasure,  which  happens  to  them  hut  sel- 
dom, is  interrupted  with  a great  deal  of  pain,  and  often  in  the 
midst  of  very  great  dangers.  One  has  thrown  himself  head- 
long from  the  top  of  a house ; another  has  been  whipped  al- 

lent.  For  instance,  Fufidius  lent  a hundred  pounds,  and  at  the  end  of 
the  month  the  borrower  was  to  pay  him  a hundred  and  five,  principal 
and  interest.  But  he  gives  only  ninety-five  pounds,  deducting  his  inter- 
est when  he  lends  the  money,  which  thus  increases  in  twenty  months 
equal  to  his  principal.  The  laws  allowed  a usury  called  usura  centesima , 
which  doubled  the  capital  sum  in  a hundred  months,  or  eight  years  and 
four  months.  Torr. 

12  Nomina  sectatur.  Nomen  signifies  a debt,  because  the  borrower 
gave  the  lender  a note  of  acknowledgment  for  the  money,  signed  with 
his  name.  The  laws  forbade  lending  money  to  minors,  or  persons  under 
the  age  of  twenty-five  years.  Cruq. 


SAT.  II. 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


145 


most  to  death  : a third,  in  his  flight,  has  fallen  into  a merciless 
gang  of  thieves  : another  has  paid  a fine,  [to  avoid]  corporal 
[punishment]  : the  lowest  servants  have  treated  another  with 
the  vilest  indignities.  Moreover,  this  misfortune  happened  to 
a certain  person,  ho  entirely  lost  his  manhood.  Every  body 
said,  it  was  with  justice  : Galba  denied  it. 

But  how  much  safer  is  the  traffic  among  [women]  of  the 
second  rate  ! I mean  the  freed-women  : after  which  Sallus- 
tius  is  not  less  mad,  than  he  who  commits  adultery.  But  if 
he  had  a mind  to  be  good  and  generous,  as  far  as  his  estate 
and  reason  would  direct  him,  and  as  far  as  a man  might  be 
liberal  with  moderation ; he  would  give  a sufficiency,  not 
what  would  bring  upon  himself  ruin  and  infamy.  However, 
he  hugs  himself  in  this  one  [consideration]  ; this  he  delights 
in,  this  he  extols  : “ I meddle  with  no  matron.”  Just  as  Mar- 
saeus,  the  lover  of  Origo,13  he  who  gives  his  paternal  estate 
and  seat  to  an  actress,  says,  “ I never  meddle  with  other  men’s 
wives.”  But  you  have  with  actresses,  you  have  with  common 
strumpets : whence  your  reputation  derives  a greater  per- 
dition, than  your  estate.  What,  is  it  abundantly  sufficient  to 
avoid  the  person,  and  not  the  [vice]  which  is  universally 
noxious?  To  lose  one’s  good  name,  to  squander  a father’s 
effects,  is  in  all  cases  an  evil.  What  is  the  difference,  [then, 
with  regard  to  yourself,]  whether  you  sin  with  the  person  of 
a matron,  a maiden,  or  a prostitute  ?14 

Villius,  the  son-in-law  of  Sylla  (by  this  title  alone  he  was 
misled),  suffered  [for  his  commerce]  with  Fausta  an  adequate 
and  more  than  adequate  punishment,  by  being  drubbed  and 
stabbed,  while  he  was  shut  out,  that  Longarenus  might 
enjoy  her  within.  Suppose  this  [young  man’s]  mind  had  ad- 
dressed him  in  the  words  of  his  appetite,  perceiving  such 
evil  consequences : “ What  would  you  have  ? Did  I ever, 
when  my  ardor  was  at  the  highest,  demand  a woman  de- 
scended from  a great  consul,  and  covered  with  robes  of 
quality !”  What  could  he  answer  ? Why,  “ the  girl  was 

13  Origo.  There  lived  in  Horace’s  time  three  famous  courtesans  at 
Rome ; Origo,  Cytheris,  and  Arbuscala,  all  comedians.  The  poet  was 
probably  acquainted  with  them  all.  We  are  at  a loss  to  know  who 
Marsaeus  was.  Watson. 

14  Togatd.  A prostitute.  Women  of  this  kind  were  obliged,  when 
they  went  abroad,  to  wear  a robe,  called  toga.  The  resemblance  of  it  to 
the  robe  worn  by  men,  made  it  a mark  of  infamy.  Fran. 

7 


146 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  1. 


sprung  from  an  illustrious  - father.”  But  how  much  better 
things,  and  how  different  from  this,  does  nature,  abounding 
in  stores  of  her  own,  recommend;  if  you  would  only  make  a 
proper  use  of  them,  and  not  confound  what  is  to  be  avoided 
with  that  which  is  desirable  ! Do  you  think  it  is  of  no  con- 
sequence, whether  your  distresses  arise  from  your  own  fault 
or  from  [a  real  deficiency]  of  things  ? Wherefore,  that  you 
may  not  repent  [when  it  is  too  late],  put  a stop  to  your  pur- 
suit after  matrons ; whence  more  trouble  is  derived,  than  you 
can  obtain  of  enjoyment  from  success.  Nor  has  [this  par- 
ticular matron],  amid  her  pearls  and  emeralds,  a softer  thigh, 
or  limbs  more  delicate  than  yours,  Cerinthus  ; nay,  the  pros- 
titutes are  frequently  preferable.  Add  to  this,  that  [the  pros- 
titute] bears  about  her  merchandize  without  any  varnish,  and 
openly  shows  what  she  has  to  dispose  of ; nor,  if  she  has  aught 
more  comely  than  ordinary,  does  she  boast  and  make  an  os- 
tentation of  it,  while  she  is  industrious  to  conceal  that  which 
is  offensive.  This  is  the  custom  with  men  of  fortune  : when 
they  buy  horses,  thy  inspect  them  covered : that,  if  a beauti- 
ful forehand  (as  often)  be  supported  by  a tender  hoof,  it  may 
not  take  in  the  buyer,  eager  for  the  bargain,  because  the  back 
is  handsome,  the  head  little,  and  the  neck  stately.  This  they 
do  judiciously.  Do  not  you,  [therefore,  in  the  same  manner] 
contemplate  the  perfections  of  each  [fair  one’s]  person  with 
the  eyes  of  Lynceus ; out  be  blinder  than  Hypssea,  when  you 
survey  such  parts  as  are  deformed..  [You  may  cry  out,]  “O 
what  a leg  ! O,  what  delicate  arms  !”  But  [you  suppress]  that 
she  is  low-hipped,  short-waisted,  with  a long  nose,  and  a 
splay  foot.  A man  can  see  nothing  but  the  face  of  a matron, 
who  carefully  conceals  her  other  charms,  unless  it  be  a Catia. 
But  if  you  will  seek  after  forbidden  charms  (for  the  [circum- 
stance of  their  being  forbidden]  makes  you  mad  after  them), 
surrounded  as  they  are  with  a fortification,  many  obstacles 
will  then  be  in  your  way : such  as  guardians,  the  sedan, 
dressers,  parasites,  the  long  robe  hanging  down  to  the  ankles, 
and  covered  with  an  upper  garment ; a multiplicity  of  cir- 
cumstances, which  will  hinder  you  from  having  a fair  view. 
The  other  throws  no  obstacle  in  your  way ; through  the 
silken  vest  you  may  discern  her,  almost  as  well  as  if  she  was 
naked ; that  she  has  neither  a bad  leg,  nor  a disagreeable  foot, 
you  may  survey  her  form  perfectly  with  your  eye.  Or  would 


SAT.  IL 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


147 


you  choose  to  have  a trick  put  upon  you,  and  your  money  ex- 
torted, before  the  goods  are  shown  you  ? [But  perhaps  you 
will  sing  to  me  these  verses  out  of  Callimachus.]  As  the 
huntsman  pursues  the  hare  in  the  deep  snow,  but  disdains  to 
touch  it  when  it  is  placed  before  him : thus  sings  the  rake, 
and  applies  it  to  himself;  my  love  is  like  to  this,  for  it  passes 
over  an  easy  prey,  and  pursues  Vhat  flies  from  it.  Do  you 
hope  that  grief,  and  uneasiness,  and  bitter  anxieties,  will  be 
expelled  from  your  breast  by  such  verses  as  these  ? Would  it 
not  be  more  profitable  to  inquire  what  boundary  nature  has 
affixed  to  the  appetites,  what  she  can  patiently  do  without, 
and  what  she  would  lament  the  deprivation  of,  and  to  separate 
what  is  solid  from  what  is  vain  ? What ! when  thirst  parches 
your  jaws,  are  you  solicitous  for  golden  cups  to  drink  out  of  ? 
What ! when  you  are  hungry,  do  you  despise  every  thing  but 
peacock  and  turbot  ? When  your  passions  are  inflamed,  and  a 
common  gratification  is  at  hand,  would  you  rather  be  con- 
sumed with  desire  than  possess  it  ? I would  not : for  I love 
such  pleasures  as  are  of  easiest  attainment.  But  she  whose 
language  is,  “ By  and  by,”  “ But  for  a small  matter  more,”  “ If 
my  husband  should  be  out  of  the  way,”  [is  only]  for  petit- 
maitres  : and  for  himself,  Philodemus  says,  he  chooses  her, 
who  neither  stands  for  a great  price,  nor  delays  to  come  when 
she  is  ordered.  Let  her  be  fair,  and  straight,  and  so  far  decent 
as  not  to  appear  desirous  of  seeming  fairer  than  nature  has 
made  her.  When  I am  in  the  company  of  such  an  one,  she  is 
my  Ilia  and  AEgeria ; I give  her  any  name.  IS  or  am  I ap- 
prehensive, while  I am  in  her  company,  lest  her  husband 
should  return  from  the  country ; the  door  should  be  broken 
open ; the  dog  should  bark  ; the  house,  shaken,  should  re- 
sound on  all  sides  with  a great  noise  ; the  woman,  pale  [with 
fear],  should  bound  away  from  me  ; lest  the  maid,  conscious 
[of  guilt],  should  cry  out,  she  is  undone ; lest  she  should  be 
in  apprehension  for  her  limbs,  the  detected  wife  for  her  por- 
tion, I for  myself ; lest  I must  run  away  with  my  clothes  all 
loose,  and  bare-footed,  for  fear  my  money,  or  my  person*  or, 
finally  my  character  should  be  demolished.  It  is  a dreadful 
thing  to  be  caught ; I could  prove  this,  even  if  Fabius  were 
the  judge. 


148 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


SATIRE  III. 

We  ought  to  connive  at  the  faults  of  our  friends,  and  all  offenses  are 
not  to  he  ranked  in  the  catalogue  of  crimes. 

This  is  a fault  common  to  all  singers,  that  among  their  friends 
they  never  are  inclined  to  sing  when  they  are  asked,  [but] 
unasked,  they  never  desist.  Tigellius,  that  Sardinian,  had 
this  [fault].  Had  Caesar,  who  could  have  forced  him  to  com- 
pliance, besought  him  on  account  of  his  father’s  friendship 
and  his  own,  he  would  have  had  no  success ; if  he  himself 
was  disposed,  he  would  chant  Io  Bacche  over  and  over,  from 
the  beginning  of  an  entertainment  to  the  very  conclusion  of 
it  ;15  one  while  at  the  deepest  pitch  of  his  voice,  at  another 
time  with  that  which  answers  to  the  highest  string  of  the 
tetrachord.16  There  was  nothing  uniform  in  that  fellow ; fre- 
quently would  he  run  along,  as  one  flying  from  an  enemy ; 
more  frequently  [he  walked],  as  if  he  bore  [in  procession]  the 
sacrifice  of  Juno  :17  he  had  often  two  hundred  slaves,  often 
but  ten  : one  while  talking  of  kings  and  potentates,  every 
thing  that  was  magnificent ; at  another — “ Let  me  have  a 
three-legged  table,  and  a cellar  of  clean  salt,  and  a gown  which, 
though  coarse,  may  be  sufficient  to  keep  out  the  cold/’  Had 
you  given  ten  hundred  thousand  sesterces38  to  this  moder- 

15  Literally,  “ from  the  egg  to  the  apples,”  for  eggs  were  served  first, 
and  fruit  last. 

16  The  four  strings  of  this  instrument  were  called  by  the  Greeks  vttuttj 
(suhsuma),  TlapvTrdrr}  (, suhsuma ),  Uapavyrg  (pene  ima),  and  N r/rrj  (Ima). 
Thus  the  summa  vox,  which  answers  to  the  highest  string,  summa  % 
chorda,  must  signify  the  bass,  and  ima  vox , that  strikes  the  same  tone 
with  ima  chorda,  must  signify  the  treble.” — F.  Summa  should  be  joined 
with  chorda,  not  voce.  G.  * Gitaret.  Bentley  remarks  that  this  is  a fo- 
rensic word,  and  can  not  be  put  for  recitaret,  besides  that  citare  Io  Bacche 
is  not  Latin.  He  reads  iteraret.  The  Librarians  wrote  ter,  cer,  and  ler, 
in  a compendious  form  thus  ~ over  its  natural  place,  thus  the  word 
ITARET,  with  a circumflex  over  I,  and  hence  CITARET.  M‘Caul. 

i^This  grave  and  solemn  march,  although  a religious  ceremony  in  its 
place,  yet,  when  improperly  used,  is  affectation  and  impertinence.  The 
solemnity  of  this  procession  became  a proverb,  fH palov  padt&iv,  to  walk 
like  Juno.  Torr. 

18  The  sestertium  among  the  Romans  was  about  11.  165.  of  our  money, 
and  contained  a thousand  sestertii.  Their  manner  of  reckoning  was  this : 
when  a numeral  noun  agreed  in  gender  and  number  with  sestertius,  it 


BAT.  nr. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


143 


ate  man  who  was  content  with  such  small  matters,  m five 
days’  time  there  would  be  nothing  in  his  bags.  He  sat  up  at 
nights,  [even]  to  day-light ; he  snored  out  all  the  day.  Never 
was  there  any  thing  so  inconsistent  with  itself.  Now  some 
person  may  say  to  me,  “ What  are  you  ? Have  you  no  faults  ?” 
Yes,  others ; but  others,  and  perhaps  of  a less  culpable  na- 
ture. 

When  Msenius  railed  at  Novius  in  his  absence  : “ Hark  ye,” 
says  a certain  person,  “ are  you  ignorant  of  yourself  ? or  do 
you  think  to  impose  yourself  upon  us  a person  we  do  not 
know  ?”  “ As  for  me,  I forgive  myself,”  quoth  Maenius.  This 

is  a foolish  and  impious  self-love,  and  worthy  to  be  stigma- 
tized. When  you  look  over  your  own  vices,  winking  at  them, 
as  it  were,  with  sore  eyes ; why  are  you  with  regard  to  those 
of  your  friends  as  sharp-sighted  as  an  eagle,  or  the  Epidaurian 
serpent?  But,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  your  lot  that  your 
friends  should  inquire  into  your  vices  in  turn.  [A  certain 
p^son]  is  a little  too  hasty  in  his  temper ; not  well  calculated 
for  the  sharp-witted  sneers19  of  these  men : he  may  be  made 
a jest  of  because  his  gown  hangs  awkwardly,  he  [at  the  same 
time]  being  trimmed  in  a very  rustic  manner,  and  his  wide 
shoe  hardly  sticks  to  his  foot.  But  he  is  so  good,  that  no 
man  can  be  better ; but  he  is  your  friend  : but  an  immense 
genius  is  concealed  under  this  unpolished  person  of  his.  Fi- 
nally, sift  yourself  thoroughly,  whether  nature  has  originally 
sown  the  seeds  of  any  vice  in  you,  or  even  an  ill  habit  [has  done 
it].  For  the  fern,  fit  [only]  to  be  burned,  overruns  the  ne- 
glected fields. 

Let  us  return  from  our  digression.  As  his  mistress’s  dis- 
agreeable failings  escape  the  blinded  lover,  or  even  give  him 
pleasure  (as  Hagna’s  wen  does  to  Balbinus),  I could  wish  that 

denoted  precisely  so  many  sestertii , as  decern  sestertii,  just  so  many ; but 
if  the  noun  was  joined  to  the  genitive  plural  of  sestertius,  it  signified  so 
many  thousands ; as  decern  sestertium,  ten  thousand  sestertii.  If  the  ad- 
verb numeral  was  joined  to  the  genitive  plural,  it  denoted  so  many  hun- 
dred thousand,  as  decies  sestertium,  ten  hundred  thousand  sestertii. 
Sometimes  they  put  the  adverb  by  itself,  and  sometimes  added  the  nu- 
meral noun  to  it ; as  in  this  place  decies  centena,  ten  hundred  sestertia,  or 
ten  hundred  thousand  sestertii.  Watson. 

19  Acutis  naribus , is  the  direct  opposition  to  naribus  obesis,  which  the 
Latins  used  to  signify  a stupid  person,  who  wants  the  natural  quickness 
and  sharpness  of  the  senses.  San. 


150 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


we  erred  in  this  manner  with  regard  to  friendship,  and  that 
virtue  had  affixed  a reputable  appellation  to  such  an  error. 
And  as  a father  ought  not  to  contemn  his  son,  if  he  has  any 
defect,  in  the  same  manner  we  ought  not  [to  contemn]  our 
friend.  The  father  calls  his  squinting  boy,  a pretty  leering 
rogue  ; and  if  any  man  has  a little  despicable  brat,  such  as  the 
abortive  Sisyphus20  formerly  was,  he  calls  it  a sweet  moppet : 
this  [child]  with  distorted  legs,  [the  father]  in  a fondling 
voice  calls  one  of  the  Vari ; and  another,  who  is  club-footed, 
he  calls  a Scaurus.21  [Thus,  does]  this  friend  of  yours  live 
more  sparingly  than  ordinarily  ? Let  him  be  styled  a man  of 
frugality.  Is  another  impertinent,  and  apt  to  brag  a little  ? 
He  requires  to  be  reckoned  entertaining  to  his  friends.  But 
[another]  is  too  rude,  and  takes  greater  liberties  than  are  fit- 
ting. Let  him  be  esteemed  a man  of  sincerity  and  bravery. 
Is  he  too  fiery,  let  him  be  numbered  among  persons  of  spirit. 
This  method,  in  my  opinion,  both  unites  friends,  and  pre- 
serves them  in  a state  of  union.  But  we  invert  the  very  vir- 
tues themselves,  and  are  desirous  of  throwing  dirt  upon  the 
untainted  vessel.  Does  a man  of  probity  live  among  us  ? he 
is  a person  of  singular  diffidence  ;22  we  give  him  the  name  of 
a dull  and  fat-headed  fellow.  Does  this  man  avoid  every 
snare,  and  lay  himself  open  to  no  ill-designing  villain ; since 
we  live  amid  such  a race,  where  keen  envy  and  accusations 
are  flourishing  ? Instead  of  a sensible  and  wary  man,  we  call 
him  a disguised  and  subtle  fellow.  And  is  any  one  more  open, 
[and  less  reserved]  than  usual  in  such  a degree  as  I often 
have  presented  myself  to  you,  Maecenas,  so  as  perhaps  imper- 
tinently to  interrupt  a person  reading,  or  musing,  with  any 
kind  of  prate  ? We  cry,  “ [this  fellow]  actually  wants  com- 

20  Sisyphus.  The  dwarf  of  Mark  Antony  the  triumvir.  He  was  of  a 
diminutive  stature,  scarcely  two  feet  high,  but  of  a very  acute  wit ; 
whence  he  got  the  name  of  Sisyphus  ; for  Sisyphus  was  so  remarkable 
for  his  dexterity  and  cunning,  that  Sisyphi  artes  came  to  be  a proverb. 
Watson. 

21  Balbutit  Scaurum.  Rutgersius  informs  us  that  all  these  names, 
Strabo , Poetics,  Putins , Varus , and  Scaurus  are  surnames  of  illustrious 
Roman  families,  from  whence  fathers  gave  them  to  their  children,  to 
cover  their  deformities  with  names  of  dignity.  This  is  one  of  many 
beauties  in  the  original,  which  it  is  impossible  to  preserve  in  a transla- 
tion. Fran. 

22  But  Orelli  interprets  “ demissus”  to  mean  “abjectus,  pusilli  animi.” 
See  his  judicious  note. 


BAT.  III. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


151 


mon  sense.”33  Alas ! how  indiscreetly  do  wo  ordain  a severe 
law  against  ourselves ! For  no  one  is  bom  without  vices : he 
is  the  best  man  who  is  encumbered  with  the  least.  When  my 
dear  friend,  as  is  just,  weighs  my  good  qualities  against  my 
bad  ones,  let  him,  if  he  is  willing  to  be  beloved,  turn  the  scale 
to  the  majority  of  the  former  (if  I have  indeed  a majority  of 
good  qualities),  on  this  condition,  he  shall  be  placed  in  the 
same  balance.  He  who  requires  that  his  friend  should  not 
take  offense  at  his  own  protuberances,  will  excuse  his  friend’s 
little  warts.  It  is  fair  that  he  who  entreats  a pardon  for  his 
own  faults,  should  grant  one  in  his  turn. 

Upon  the  whole,24  forasmuch  as  the  vice  anger,  as  well  as 
others  inherent  in  foolish  [mortals],  can  not  be  totally  eradi- 
cated, why  does  not  human  reason  make  use  of  its  own 
weights  and  measures ; and  so  punish  faults,  as  the  nature  of 
the  thing  demands  ? If  any  man  should  punish  with  the  cross 
a slave,  who  being  ordered  to  take  away  the  dish  should 
gorge  the  half-eaten  fish  and  warm  sauce  ;25  he  would,  among 
people  in  their  senses,  be  called  a madder  man  than  Labeo.20 

23  Communi  sensu  plane  caret  He  wants  an  understanding  that  dis- 
tinguishes the  common  decencies  to  be  observed  in  addressing  the  great. 
Such  was  the  Communis  sensus  among  the  Romans,  for  which  we  have 
no  expression  in  English.  Sit  in  beneficio  sensus  communis : tempus , 
locum , personas  observet  Seneca.  Quce  versantur  in  consuetudine  rei- 
publicce ; in  sensu  hominum  communi,  in  naturd , in  moribus1  compre - 
hendenda  esse  oratori  puto.  Cicero  de  Oratore.  Bent. 

Lord  Shaftesbury  explains  the  sensus  communis  in  Juvenal,  that  sense 
which  regards  the  common  good , the  public  welfare.  A sense,  according  to 
the  ingenious  author,  seldom  found  among  the  great. 

Haro  enim  ferme  sensus  communis  in  ilia 
Fortund. 

24  The  second  part  of  the  satire  begins  here.  The  Stoics  called  all 
vicious  people  fools , stultos.  Quatenus  is  frequently  used  by  our  poet  for 
guoniam,  since  that  Fran. 

25  Tepidumque  ligurrierit  jus.  Horace,  to  excuse  the  slave,  says,  that 
the  sauce  was  yet  warm,  tepidum , and  therefore  more  tempting.  For  the 
same  reason,  he  says,  the  fish  was  half  eaten.  Cruq. 

25  Labeone  insanior.  The  Scholiasts,  commentators,  and  interpreters 
tell  us,  that  Horace  means  Marcus  Antistius  Labeo,  who,  in  the  spirit  of 
liberty,  frequently  opposed  Augustus  in  the  senate,  when  he  attempted 
any  alterations  in  the  state.  Agitabat  eum  libertas  nimia  et  vecors , says 
Seneca ; which  might  justly  render  him  odious  to  Augustus.  But  what- 
ever respect  our  poet  had  for  his  emperor,  yet  we  never  find  that  he 
treats  the  patrons  of  liberty  with  outrage.  Nor  can  we  well  imagine  that 


152 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


book  r. 


How  much  more  irrational  and  heinous  a crime  is  this  ! Your 
friend  has  been  guilty  of  a small  error  (which,  unless  you 
forgive,  you  ought  to  be  reckoned  a sour,  ill-natured  fellow), 
you  hate  and  avoid  him,  as  a debtor  does  Ruso  ;27  who,  when 
the  woeful  calends  come  upon  the  unfortunate  man,  unless  he 
procures  the  interest  or  capital  by  hook  or  by  crook,  is  com- 
jDelled  to  hear  his  miserable  stories  with  his  neck  stretched 
out  like  a slave.  [Should  my  friend]  in  his  liquor  water  my 
couch,  or  has  he  thrown  down  a jar  carved  by  the  hands  of 
Evander  :28  shall  he  for  this  [trifling]  affair,  or  because  in  his 
hunger  he  has  taken  a chicken  before  me  out  of  my  part  of 
the  dish,  be  the  less  agreeable  friend  to  me  ? [If  so],  what 
could  I do  if  he  was  guilty  of  theft,  or  had  betrayed  things 
committed  to  him  in  confidence,  or  broken  his  word.  They 
who  are  pleased  [to  rank  all]  faults  nearly  on  an  equality,  are 
troubled  when  they  come  to  the  truth  of  the  matter : sense 

he  dare  thus  cruelly  brand  a man  of  Labeo’s  abilities,  riches,  power,  and 
employments  in  the  state  ; to  whom  Augustus  himself  offered  the  consul- 
ship. Probably  the  person  here  intended  was  publicly  known  to  have 
been  guilty  of  some  folly  not  unlike  what  our  poet  mentions.  Dr.  Bentley 
hath  found  a Labienus  in  the  time  of  Augustus,  whose  character  fits  this 
passage  extremely  well ; and  whom  he  therefore  recommends  to  a place 
in  the  text.  Fran. 

27  The  alternative  with  Ruso  was  either  ruin  from  extortion,  or  misery 
from  listening  to  his  writings.  If  his  wretched  creditors  could  not  pay 
him,  then  they  were  condemned  to  hear  him  read  his  works.  Perhaps 
some  might  prefer  considering  historias  used  in  the  sense  of  “ tedious 
narration,”  and  refer  it  to  the  long  schedule  of  the  items  in  his  account. 
* Audit.  Asinius  Pollio  first  introduced  the  custom  of  reciting  one’s  own 
compositions  at  Rome.  M‘Caul. 

28  Evandri  manibus  tritum. — Tornatum,  cailatum , fabricatum.  Einc 
radios  trivere  rotis , Yirgil.  Vitrum  aliud  flatu  figuratur,  aliud  torno 
teritur , Plin.  But  as  the  Latins  used  the  word  toreumata  to  signify  any 
works,  either  turned  or  wrought  by  the  chisel,  because  they  were  made 
by  the  same  workmen,  Sanadon  thinks  the  poet  probably  means,  that 
this  plate  was  engraved  with  an  instrument.  The  Scholiast  tells  us, 
that  this  Evander  was  carried  from  Athens  to  Rome  by  Mark  Antony, 
and  that  he  excelled  in  sculpture  and  engraving.  They  who  believe  that 
Horace  means  king  Evander,  would  not  only  persuade  us  that  this  plate 
must  have  been  preserved  so  many  ages  by  some  uncommon  good  for- 
tune, but  have  unluckily  placed  a vessel  so  valuable  on  a monarch’s 
table,  whose  palace  was  a cottage,  his  throne  a chair  of  ordinary  wood, 
his  beds  made  of  leaves  or  rushes,  and  his  tapestry  the  skins  of  beasts. 
Res  inopes  Evandrus  habebat.  Dr.  Bentley  denies  that  the  Latins  ever 
used  tritum  to  signify  ccelatum , perfectum , and  he  therefore  recommends 
tortum  to  us,  on  the  authority  of  an  ancient  manuscript.  Fran. 


SAT.  III. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


153 


and  morality  are  against  them,  and  utility  itself,29  the  mother 
almost  of  right  and  of  equity. 

When  [rude]  animals,  they  crawled30  forth  upon  the  first- 
formed  earth,  the  mute  and  dirty  herd  fought  with  their  nails 
and  fists  for  their  acorn  and  caves,  afterward  with  clubs,  and 
finally  with  arms  which  experience  had  forged  : till  they  found 
out  words  and  names,  by  which  they  ascertained  their  language 
and  sensations : thenceforward  they  began  to  abstain  from  war, 
to  fortify  towns,  and  establish  laws : that  no  person  should  be 
a thief,  a robber,  or  an  adulterer.  For  before  Helen’s  time 
there  existed  [many]  a woman  who  was  the  dismal  cause  of 
war:  but  those  fell  by  unknown  deaths,  whom  pursuing  un- 
certain venery,  as  the  bull  in  the  herd,  the  strongest  slew. 
It  must  of  necessity  be  acknowledged,  if  you  have  a mind  to 
turn  over  the  seras  and  annals  of  the  world,  that  laws  were 
invented  from  an  apprehension  of  the  natural  injustice'  [of 
mankind].  Nor  can  nature  separate  what  is  unjust  from  what 
is  just,  in  the  same  manner  as  she  distinguishes  what  is  good 
from  its  reverse,  and  what  is  to  be  avoided  from  that  which 
is  to  be  sought : nor  will  reason  persuade  men  to  this,  that  he 
who  breaks  down  the  cabbage-stalk  of  his  neighbor,  sins  in 
as  great  a measure,  and  in  the  same  manner,  as  he  who  steals 
by  night  things  consecrated  to  the  gods.  Let  there  be  a set- 
tled standard,  that  may  inflict  adequate  punishments  upon 
crimes ; lest  you  should  persecute  any  one  with  the  horrible 
thong,  who  is  only  deserving  of  a slight  whipping.  For  1 am 
not  apprehensive,  that  you  should  correct  with  the  rod  one 
that  deserves  to  suffer  severer  stripes;  since  you  assert  that 
pilfering  is  an  equal  crime  with  highway  robbery,  and  threaten 
that  you  would  prune  off  with  an  undistinguishing  hook  little 
and  great  vices,  if  mankind  were  to  give  you  the  sovereignty 
over  them.  If  he  be  rich,  who  is  wise,  and  a good  shoe- 

29  Horace  endeavors  to  prove,  according  to  the  doctrine  of  Epicurus, 
that  justice  and  injustice  arise  only  from  laws,  and  that  laws  have  no 
other  foundation  than  public  utility,  by  which  he  means  the  happiness  of 
civil  society.  On  the  contrary,  the  Stoics  asserted,  that  justice  and  in- 
justice have  their  first  principles  in  nature  itself,  and  the  first  appearance 
of  reason  in  the  mind  of  man.  San. 

30  Gum  prorepserunt.  This  expression  is  extremely  proper  for  the 
system  of  Epicurus,  who  believed  that  the  first  race  of  men  rose  out  of 
the  earth,  in  which  they  were  formed  by  a mixture  of  heat  and  mois* 
ture.  Torr. 

7* 


154 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


maker,  and  alone  handsome,  and  a king,  why  do  you  wish  for 
that  which  you  are  possessed  of?  You  do  not  understand 
what  Chrysippus,31  the  father  [of  your  sect],  says : “ The 
wise  man  never  made  himself  shoes  nor  slippers : neverthe- 
less, the  wise  man  is  a shoemaker.”  How  so  ? In  the  same 
manner,  though  Hermogenes  be  silent,  he  is  a fine  singer, 
notwithstanding,  and  an  excellent  musician : as  the  subtle 
[lawyer]  Alfenus,32  after  every  instrument  of  his  calling  was 
thrown  aside,  and  his  shop  shut  up,  was  [still]  a barber ; 
thus  is  the  wise  man  of  all  trades,  thus  is  he  a king.  0 great- 
est of  great  kings,  the  waggish  boys  pluck  you  by  the  beard ; 
whom  unless  you  restrain  with  your  staff,  you  will  be  jostled 
by  a mob  all  about  you,  and  you  may  wretchedly  bark  and 
burst  your  lungs  in  vain.  Not  to  be  tedious : while  you,  my 
king,  shall  go  to  the  farthing  bath,  and  no  guard  shall  attend 
you,  except  the  absurd  Crispinus ; my  dear  friends  will  both 
pardon  me  in  any  matter  in  which  I shall  foolishly  offend, 
and  I in  turn  will  cheerfully  put  up  with  their  faults ; and, 
though  a private  man,  I shall  live  more  happily  than  you, 
a king. 


SATIRE  IY. 

He  apologizes  for  the  liberties  taken  by  satiric  poets  in  general , and 
particularly  by  himself. 

The  poets  Eupolis,  and  Cratinus,  and  Aristophanes,  and 
others,  who  are  authors  of  the  ancient  comedy,33  if  there  was 

31  Chrysippus  is  here  pleasantly  called  father,  because  he  was  the  first 
who  explained,  in  this  absurd  manner,  these  excellent  precepts  of  Zeno, 
which  teach  us,  that  wisdom  sets  above  kings ; and  that  the  throne  she 
offers  to  us  is  preferable  to  that  of  the  greatest  monarchs.  Torr. 

32  Alfenus  Varus,  a shoemaker  of  Cremona,  who,  growing  out  of  con- 
ceit with  his  employment,  quitted  it,  and  came  to  Rome ; where  attend- 
ing the  lectures  of  Servius  Sulpicius,  a celebrated  professor  of  law,  he 
made  so  great  proficience  in  that  science,  that  he  soon  came  to  be 
esteemed  one  of  the  ablest  lawyers  of  his  time,  and  his  name  often  occurs 
in  the  Pandects.  He  was  afterward  advanced  to  the  highest  honors  of 
the  empire ; for  we  find  him  consul  in  the  year  of  the  city  7 55.  Ed.  Dubl. 

33  Comoedia  prisca.  Comedy  was  divided  into  ancient  and  modern. 
In  the  first,  the  subject  and  the  names  of  the  actors  were  real.  In  the 
second,  the  drama  was  formed  on  history,  but  the  names  of  the  actors 


HAT.  IV. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


155 


any  person  deserving  to  be  distinguished  for  being  a rascal  or 
a thief,  an  adulterer  or  a cut-throat,  or  in  any  shape  an  in- 
famous fellow,  branded  him  with  great  freedom.  Upon  these 
[models]  Lucilius  entirely  depends,  having  imitated  them, 
changing  only  their  feet34  and  numbers  : a man  of  wit,  of  great 
keenness,36  inelegant  in  the  composition  of  verse  : for  in  this 
respect  he  was  faulty ; he  would  often,  as  a great  feat,  dictate 
two  hundred  verses  in  an  hour,  standing  in  the  same  position. 
As  he  flowed  muddily,  there  was  [always]  something  that  one 
would  wish  to  remove  ; he  was  verbose,  and  too  lazy  to  en- 
dure the  fatigue  of  writing — of  writing  accurately  : for,  with 
regard  to  the  quantity  [of  his  works],  I make  no  account  of 
it.  See  ! Crispinus  challenges  me  even  for  ever  so  little  a 
wager.36  Take,  if  you  dare,  take  your  tablets,  and  I will  take 
mine ; let  there  be  a place,  a time,  and  persons  appointed  to 
see  fair  play : let  us  see  who  can  write  the  most.  The  gods 
have  done  a good  part  by  me,  since  they  have  framed  me  of  an 
humble  and  meek  disposition,  speaking  but  seldom,  briefly  : 
but  do  you,  [Crispinus,]  as  much  as  you  will,  imitate  air 
which  is  shut  up  in  leathern  bellows,  perpetually  pufiing 
till  the  fire  softens  the  iron.  Fannius  is  a happy  man,  who, 
of  his  own  accord,  has  presented  his  manuscripts37  and  pic- 
ture [to  the  Palatine  Apollo] ; when  not  a soul  will  peruse 

were  invented.  In  the  third,  both  the  story  and  actors  were  formed  by 
the  poet.  Ed.  Dubl 

34  Mutatis  pedibus.  Ennius  and  Pacuvius  had  written  satires  before 
Lucilius.  He  was  rather  the  restorer  than  inventor  of  this  kind  of 
poetry ; he  formed  himself  upon  the  Grecian  comedy,  and  only  changed 
the  measure  of  his  verse,  hexameter  for  iambics.  Fran. 

35  Emundce  nans.  Of  a sagacious,  penetrating  genius,  to  discover  the 
follies  of  mankind,  and  of  an  agreeable,  spirited,  raillery,  to  turn  them 
into  ridicule,  facetus.  Such  is  the  character  of  Lucilius  by  Cicero  and 
Quintilian  perurbanum  and  abunde  salts.  Fran. 

86  Minimo  me  provocat.  We  should  understand  pignore  or  pretio ; 
nor  is  there  any  instance  in  the  Latin  tongue  of  pronocare  minimo  digito , 
as  the  commentators  explain  it.  A man  well  assured  of  the  truth  of 
what  he  asserts,  is  willing  to  bet  a large  wager  against  a small  one, 
which  Horace  means  by  minimo  provocare.  San. 

37  TJltro  delatis  capsis.  When  a poet  was  generally  esteemed,  his 
works  and  his  statue  were  placed  in  the  public  libraries.  Rut  Horace 
congratulates  Fannius  upon  the  happiness  of  finding  a method  of  immor- 
talizing his  name,  without  being  obliged  to  pass  through  the  usual  forms. 
He  thought  he  had  a right  to  take  an  honor,  which  he  was  conscious  he 
deserved,  and  perhaps  imagined  it  a proper  manner  of  resenting  the 
public  insensibility  of  his  merit.  Dac.  San. 


156 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


my  writings,  who  am  afraid  to  rehearse  in  public,  on  this 
account,  because  there  are  certain  persons  who  can  by  no 
means  relish  this  kind  [of  satiric  writing],  as  there  are  very 
many  who  deserve  censure.  Single  any  man  out  of  the  crowd  ; 
he  either  labors  uuder  a covetous  disposition,  or  under  wretched 
ambition.  One  is  mad  in  love  with  married  women,  another 
with  youths  ; a third  the  splendor  of  silver  captivates : Albius 
is  in  raptures  with  brass ; another  exchanges  his  merchandize 
from  the  rising  sun,  even  to  that  with  which  the  western  re- 
gions are  warmed  : but  he  is  hurried  headlong  through  dan- 
gers, as  dust  wrapped  up  in  a whirlwind ; in  dread  lest  he 
should  lose  any  thing  out  of  his  capital,  or  [in  hope]  that  he 
may  increase  his  store.  All  these  are  afraid  of  verses,  they 
hate  poets.  “ He  has  hay  on  his  horn,38  [they  cry ;]  avoid  him 
at  a great  distance  : if  he  can  but  raise  a laugh  for  his  own 
diversion,  he  will  not  spare  any  friend  : and  whatever  he  has 
once  blotted  upon  his  paper,  he  will  take  a pleasure  in  letting 
all  the  boys  and  old  women  know,  as  they  return  from  the 
bakehouse  or  the  lake.”  But,  come  on,  attend  to  a few  words 
on  the  other  side  of  the  question. 

In  the  first  place,  I will  except  myself  out  of  the  number 
of  those  I would  allow  to  be  poets : for  one  must  not  call  it 
sufficient  to  tag  a verse  : nor  if  any  person,  like  me,  writes  in 
a style  bordering  on  conversation,  must  you  esteem  him  to  be 
a poet.  To  him  who  has  genius,  who  has  a soul  of  a diviner 
cast,  and  a greatness  of  expression,  give  the  honor  of  this  ap- 
pellation. On  this  acount  some  have  raised  the  question, 
whether  comedy  be  a poem  or  not ; because  an  animated  spirit 
and  force  is  neither  in  the  style,  nor  the  subject-matter : 
bating  that  it  differs  from  prose  by  a certain  measure,  it  is 
mere  prose.  But  [one  may  object  to  this,  that  even  in  comedy] 
an  inflamed  father  rages,  because  his  dissolute  son,  mad  after 
a prostitute  mistress,  refuses  a wife  with  a large  portion;  and 
(what  is  an  egregious  scandal)  rambles  about  drunk  with 
flambeaux  by  day-light.  Yet  could  Pomponius,  were  his 
father  alive,  hear  less  severe  reproofs ! Wherefore  it  is  not 

33  Ibenum  habet  in  cornu.  A metaphorical  expression  taken  from  a 
custom  of  tying  hay  on  the  horns  of  a mischievous  bull.  The  laws  of  the 
Twelve  Tables  ordered,  that  the  owner  of  the  beast  should  pay  for  what 
damages  it  committed,  or  deliver  it  to  the  person  injured.  “ Si  quadrupes 
pauperiem  faxit,  dominus  sarcito,  noxseve  dedito.  Ed.  Dubl. 


SAT.  IV. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


157 


sufficient  to  write  verses  merely  in  proper  language;  which, 
if  you  take  to  pieces,  any  person  may  storm  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  the  father  in  the  play.  If  from  these  verses  which  I 
write  at  this  present,  or  those  that  Lucilius  did  formerly,  you 
take  away  certain  pauses  and  measures,  and  make  that  word 
which  was  first  in  order  hindermost,  by  placing  the  latter 
[words]  before  those  that  .preceded  [in  the  verse]  ; you  will  not 
discern  the  limbs  of  a poet,  when  pulled  in  pieces,  in  the  same 
manner  as  you  would  were  you  to  transpose  ever  so  [these  lines 
of  Ennius]  : 

When  discord  dreadful  bursts  the  brazen  bars, 

And  shatters  iron  locks  to  thunder  forth  her  wars.39 

So  far  of  this  matter ; at  another  opportunity  [I  may  in- 
vestigate] whether  [a  comedy]  be  a true  poem  or  not : now  I 
shall  only  consider  this  point,  whether  this  [satiric]  kind  of 
writing  be  deservedly  an  object  of  your  suspicion.  Sulcius 
the  virulent,  and  Caprius  hoarse  with  their  malignancy,  walk 
[openly],  and  with  their  libels  too  [in  their  hands]  ; each  of 
them  a singular  terror  to  robbers : but  if  a man  lives  honestly 
and  with  clean  hands,  he  may  despise  them  both.  Though 
you  be  like  highwaymen,  Coelus  and  Byrrhus,  I am  not  [a 
common  accuser],  like  Caprius  and  Sulcius ; why  should  you 
be  afraid  of  me  ? No  shop  nor  stall  holds  my  books,  which 
the  sweaty  hands  of  the  vulgar  and  of  Ilermogenes  Tigellius 
may  soil.  I repeat  to  nobody,  except  my  intimates,  and  that 
when  I am  pressed ; nor  any  where,  and  before  any  body. 
There  are  many  who  recite  their  writings  in  the  middle  of 
the  forum  ; and  who  [do  it]  while  bathing : the  closeness  of 
the  place,  [it  seems,]  gives  melody  to  the  voice.  This  pleases 
coxcombs,  who  never  consider  whether  they  do  this  to  no 
purpose,  or  at  an  unseasonable  time.  But  you,  says  he,  de- 
light to  hurt  people,  and  this  you  do  out  of  a mischievous 
disposition.  From  what  source  do  you  throw  this  calumny  upon 
me  ? Is  any  one  then  your  voucher,  with  whom  I have  lived  ? 
He  who  backbites  his  absent  friend;  [nay  more,]  who  does 
not  defend,  at  another’s  accusing  him;  who  affects  to  raise 
loud  laughs  in  company,  and  the  reputation  of  a funny  fellow 
who  can  feign  things  he  never  saw ; who  can  not  keep  secrets ; 

39  Literally,  “After  that  dreadful  discord  burst  asunder  the  iron' 
bound  doors  and  gates  of  war.” 


158 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


he  is  a dangerous  man  : be  you,  Roman,  aware  of  him.  You 
may  often  see  it  [even  in  crowded  companies],  where  twelve 
sup  together  on  three  couches ; one  of  which  shall  delight  at 
any  rate  to  asperse  the  rest,  except  him  who  furnishes  the 
bath  ;40  and  him  too  afterward  in  his  liquor,  when  truth-tell- 
ing Bacchus  opens  the  secrets  of  his  heart.  Yet  this  man 
seems  entertaining,  and  well-bred,  and  frank  to  you,  who  are 
an  enemy  to  the  malignant : but  do  I,  if  I have  laughed  be- 
cause the  fop  Rufillus  smells  all  perfumes,  and  Gorgonius, 
like  a he-goat,  appear  invidious  and  a snarler  to  you? 
If  by  any  means  mention  happen  to  be  made  of  the  thefts 
of  Petillius  Capitolinus41  in  your  company,  you  defend 
him  after  your  manner : [as  thus,]  Capitolinus  has  had  me 
for  a companion  and  a friend  from  childhood,  and  being  ap- 
plied to,  has  done  many  things  on  my  account : and  I am  glad 
that  he  lives  secure  in  the  city ; but  I wonder,  notwithstand- 
ing, how  he  evaded  that  sentence.  This  is  the  very  essence 
of  black  malignity,42  this  is  mere  malice  itself : which  crime, 
that  it  shall  be  far  remote  from  my  writings,  and  prior  to 
them  from  my  mind,  I promise,  if  I can  take  upon  me  to  prom- 
ise any  thing  sincerely  of  myself.  If  I shall  say  any  thing 
too  freely,  if  perhaps  too  ludicrously,  you  must  favor  me  by 
your  indulgence  with  this  allowance.  For  my  excellent 
father  inured  me  to  this  custom,  that  by  noting  each  particular 
vice  I might  avoid  it  by  the  example  [of  others].  When  he 
exhorted  me  that  I should  live  thriftily,  frugally,  and  content 
with  what  he  had  provided  for  me ; don’t  you  see,  [would  he 
say,]  how  wretchedly  the  son  of  Albius  lives  ? and  how  mis- 
erably Barrus?  A strong  lesson  to  hinder  any  one  from 
squandering  away  his  patrimony.  When  he  would  deter  me 
from  filthy  fondness  for  a light  woman : [take  care,  said  he,] 
that  you  do  not  resemble  Sectanus.  That  I might  not  follow 
adulteresses,  when  I could  enjoy  a lawful  amour : the  character, 

40  Prceter  eum , qui  prcebet  aquam.  Their  host,  who  provided  water  for 
the  bath  ; a part  of  their  entertainment  to  express  the  whole.  San. 

41  The  ancient  commentator  tells  us,  that  Petillius  was  governor  of  the 
Capitol,  from  whence  he  was  called  Capitolinus ; that  he  was  accused  of 
stealing  a golden  crown  of  Jupiter,  and  acquitted  by  the  favor  of  Au- 
gustus. If  there  be  any  truth  in  this  story,  for  we  know  not  where  the 
commentator  found  it,  he  was  moru  probably  surnamed  from  his  theft, 
than  for  his  government  of  the  Capitol.  Fran. 

4*  Properly,  “the  juice  of  the  cuttle-fish.” 


SAT.  IV. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


159 


eried  lie,  of  Trebonius,  who  was  caught  in  the  fact,  is  by  no 
means  creditable.  The  philosopher  may  tell  you  the  reasons 
for  what  is  better  to  be  avoided,  and  what  to  be  pursued.  It 
is  sufficient  for  me,  if  I can  preserve  the  morality  traditional 
from  my  forefathers,  and  keep  your  life  and  reputation  in- 
violate, so  long  as  you  stand  in  need  of  a guardian : so  soon 
as  age  shall  have  strengthened  your  limbs  and  mind,  you  will 
swim  without  cork.  In  this  manner  he  formed  me,  as  yet  a 
boy : and  whether  he  ordered  me  to  do  any  particular  thing : 
You  have  an  authority  for  doing  this  : [then]  he  instanced 
some  one  out  of  the  select  magistrates  :43  or  did  he  forbid  me 
[any  thing]  ; can  you  doubt,  [says  he,]  whether  this  thing  be 
dishonorable,  and  against  your  interest  to  be  done,  when  this 
person  and  the  other  is  become  such  a burning  shame  for  his 
bad  character  [on  these  accounts]  ? As  a neighboring 
funeral  dispirits  sick  gluttons,  and  through  fear  of  death  forces 
them  to  have  mercy  upon  themselves ; so  other  men’s  dis- 
graces often  deter  tender  minds  from  vices.  From  this  [method 
of  education]  I am  clear  from  all  such  vices,  as  bring  destruc- 
tion along  with  them  : by  lighter  foibles,  and  such  as  you  may 
excuse,  I am  possessed.  And  even  from  these,  perhaps,  a 
maturer  age,  the  sincerity  of  a friend,  or  my  own  judgment, 
may  make  great  reductions.  For  neither  when  I am  in  bed, 
or  in  the  piazzas,  am  I wanting  to  myself : this  way  of  pro- 
ceeding is  better  ; by  doing  such  a thing  I shall  live  more 
comfortably  ; by  this  means  I shall  render  myself  agreeable  to 
my  friends  ; such  a transaction  was  not  clever ; what,  shall  I, 
at  any  time,  imprudently  commit  any  thing  like  it  ? These 
things  I resolve  in  silence  by  myself.  When  I have  any 
leisure,  I amuse  myself  with  my  papers.  This  is  one  of  those 
lighter  foibles  [I  was  speaking  of]  : to  which  if  you  do  not 
grant  your  indulgence,  a numerous  band  of  poets  shall  come, 
which  will  take  my  part  (for  we  are  many  more  in  number),44 
and,  like  the  Jews,  we  will  force  you  to  come  over  to  our 
numerous  party. 

43  Unum  exjudicibus  selectis.  The  most  eminent,  and  of  greatest  au- 
thority, among  the  senatorial  order ; an  order  called  Sanctissimus.  Tor^ 
rentius  thinks  the  poet  means  the  judges,  whom  the  praetor  chose  out  of 
all  degrees  of  the  magistracy,  to  relieve  and  assist  him  in  his  office.  But 
this  good  father  would  probably  have  taken  his  examples  out  of  a more 
numerous,  yet  not  less  venerable  order.  Dac. 

44  See  Orelli. 


160 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  1 


SATIRE  V.45 

He  describes  a certain  journey  of  his  from  Rome  W Brundusium  with 
great  pleasantry. 

Having  left  mighty  Rome,  Alicia  received  me  in  but  a mid- 
dling inn : Heliodorus  the  rhetorician,  most  learned  in  the 
Greek  language,  was  my  fellow-traveler : thence  we  pro- 
ceeded to  Forum- Appi,  stuffed  with  sailors  and  surly  land- 
lords. This  stage,  but  one  for  better  travelers46  than  we, 
being  laggard  we  divided  into  two ; the  Appian  way  is  less 
tiresome  to  bad  travelers.  Here  I,  on  account  of  the  water, 
which  was  most  vile,  proclaim  war  against  my  belly,  waiting 
not  without  impatience  for  my  companions  while  at  supper. 
How  the  night  was  preparing  to  spread  her  shadows  upon  the 
earth,  and  to  display  the  constellations  in  the  heavens.  Then 
our  slaves  began  to  be  liberal  of  their  abuse  to  the  watermen, 
and  the  watermen  to  our  slaves.  “ Here  bring  to.”  “ You 
are  stowing  in  hundreds ; hold,  now  sure  there  is  enough.” 
Thus  while  the  fare  is  paid,  and  the  mule  fastened,  a whole 
hour  is  passed  away.  The  cursed  gnats,  and  frogs  of  the 
fens,  drive  off  repose.  While  the  waterman  and  a passenger, 
well-soaked  with  plenty  of  thick  wine,  vie  with  one  another 
in  singing  the  praises  of  their  absent  mistresses  : at  length 
the  passenger  being  fatigued,  begins  to  sleep  ; and  the  lazy 
waterman  ties  the  halter  of  the  mule,  turned  out  a-grazing,  to 
a stone,  and  snores,  lying  flat  on  his  back.  And  now  the  day 
approached,  when  we  saw  the  boat  made  no  way ; until  a 
choleric  fellow,  one  of  the  passengers,  leaps  out  of  the  boat, 
and  drubs  the  head  and  sides  of  both  mule  and  waterman  with 
a willow  cudgel.  At  last  we  were  scarcely  set  ashore  at  the 

45  Octavius  and  Antony,  both  aspiring  to  the  sovereign  power,  must 
necessarily  have  had  frequent  quarrels  and  dissensions.  Their  reconcili- 
ations were  of  short  continuance,  because  they  were  insincere.  Among 
many  negotiations,  undertaken  by  their  common  friends  to  reconcile 
them,  history  mentions  two  more  particularly.  The  first  in  the  year  714, 
the  other  in  717,  which  was  concluded  by  the  mediation  of  Octavia,  and 
to  which  our  poet  was  carried  by  Maecenas.  San. 

46  Prcecinctis.  Prepared  for  traveling,  i.  e.  altius prazcinctis,  “to  those 
who  were  better  travelers  than  we  were.”  Prcecinctus  means  having 
the  dress  tucked  up,  that  it  may  not  prevent  exertion.  Hence  used  for 
“diligent,”  “active.”  Compare  Sat.  ii.  8,  10.  M‘Caul. 


SAT.  V. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


161 


fourth  hour.47  We  wash  our  faces  and  hands  in  thy  water,  O 
Feronia.  Then,  having  dined,  we  crawled  on  three  miles ; 
and  arrive  under  Anxur,  which  is  built  upon  rocks  that  look 
white  to  a great  distance.  Maecenas  was  to  come  here,  as  was 
the  excellent  Cocceius,  both  sent  embassadors  on  matters  of 
great  importance;  having  been  accustomed  to  reconcile  friends 
at  variance.48  Here,  having  got  sore  eyes,  I was  obliged  to 
use  the  black  ointment.  In  the  mean  time  came  Maecenas, 
and  Cocceius,  and  Fonteius  Capito49  along  with  them,  a man 
of  perfect  polish,60  and  intimate  with  Mark  Antony,  no  man 
more  so. 

Without  regret  we  passed  Fundi,  where*  Aufidius  Luscus 
was  praetor,51  laughing  at  the  honors  of  that  crazy  scribe,62 

47  Quartd  hord.  The  Romans  during  more  than  four  hundred  and  fifty 
years  never  had  names  for  the  hours  of  the  day.  The  twelve  tables  di- 
vided it  into  three  parts ; the  rising  sun,  the  setting  sun,  and  mid-day. 
The  hours  of  night  and  day  were  equal  in  number  through  the  year ; but 
from  spring  to  autumn,  those  of  the  day  were  longer  than  those  of  the 
night,  and  from  September  to  March  the  hours  of  night  were  longest.  San. 

48  Three  particulars  demonstrate  that  this  journey  was  to  the  second 
conference  at  Brundusium.  Fonteius  is  here  joined  with  Maecenas  and 
Cocceius,  but  was  not  engaged  in  the  first.  The  poet  says,  that  Maecenas 
and  Cocceius  had  been  before  employed  to  reconcile  Octavius  and  An- 
tony, soliti,  which  must  necessarily  suppose  the  first  congress  in  1 14, 
when  Horace  had  not  been  introduced  to  Maecenas.  Masson. 

49  Fonteius  Capito.  Probably  the  father  of  him  who  was  consul  two 
years  before  the  death  of  Augustus.  He  was  here  of  the  party  of  An- 
tony, and  Maecenas  on  the  side  of  Augustus.  Cocceius  was  by  way 
of  an  arbitrator  between  them,  to  settle  their  differences.  Homo  factus 
ad  unguem , a complete  man,  every  way  accomplished.  Watson. 

50  Ad  unguem  factus  homo.  This  figurative  expression  is  taken  from 
engravers  in  wood  or  marble,  who  used  to  pass  their  nail  over  the  work, 
to  know  whether  it  were  well  polished.  Erasmus. 

51  Prcetore.  The  colonies  and  municipal  towns  had  the  same  dignities 
and  magistracies  as  the  city  of  Rome ; senators,  praetors,  quaestors,  and 
aediles.  It  is  difficult  to  know  whether  Fundi  had  a praetor  chosen  out 
of  her  own  citizens,  or  whether  he  was  sent  from  Rome.  Torr. 

52  Prcemia  scribce.  Horace  calls  these  robes  prcemia  scribce , because 
the  secretaries  in  colonies  and  municipal  towns  were  frequently  raised  to 
the  dignity  of  the  praetorship.  The  toga  proetexta  was  a robe  bordered 
with  purple.  Tunica  clavata  was  a vest  with  two  borders  of  purple  laid 
like  a lace  upon  the  middle  or  opening  of  it,  down  to  the  bottom ; in  such 
a manner  as  that  when  the  vest  was  drawn  close  or  buttoned,  the  two 
purple  borders  joined  and  seemed  to  be  but  one.  If  these  borders  were 
large,  the  vest  was  called  latus  clavus , or  tunica  laticlavia;  if  they  were 
narrow,  then  it  was  named  angustus  clavus,  tunica  angusticlavia.  These 
two  sorts  of  tunics  were  worn  to  distinguish  the  magistrates  in  their  em- 


162 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


book  r. 


his  praetexta,  laticlave,  and  pan  of  incense.53  At  our  next 
stage,  being  weary,  we  tarry  in  the  city  of  the  Mamurrse,54 
Murena  complimenting  us  with  his  house,55  and  Capito  with 
his  kitchen. 

The  next  day  arises,  by  much  the  most  agreeable  to  all : 
for  Plotius,  and  Varius,  and  Virgil  met  us  at  Sinuessa ; souls 
more  candid  ones  than  which  the  world  never  produced,  nor 
is  there  a person  in  the  world  more  bound  to  them  than  my- 
self. Oh  what  embraces,  and  what  transports  were  there! 
While  I am  in  my  senses,  nothing  can  I prefer  to  a pleasant 
friend.  The  village,  which  is  next  adjoining  to  the  bridge  of 
Campania,  accommodated  us  with  lodging  [at  night];  and 
the  public  officers56  with  such  a quantity  of  fuel  and  salt  as 
they  are  obliged  to  [by  law].  From  this  place  the  mules  de- 
posited their  pack-saddles  at  Capua  betimes  [in  the  morning]. 
Maecenas  goes  to  play  [at  tennis] ; but  I and  Virgil  to  our  re- 
pose : for  to  play  at  tennis  is  hurtful  to  weak  eyes  and  feeble 
constitutions. 

From  this  place  the  villa  of  Cocceius,  situated  above  the 
Caudian  inns,  which  abounds  with  plenty,  receives  us.  Now, 
my  muse,  I beg  of  you  briefly  to  relate  the  engagement  be- 
tween the  buffoon  Sarmentus  and  Messius  Cicirrus ; and  from 

ployments,  and  were  very  different  from  those  worn  by  the  common 
people,  tunicato  popello , which  were  closed  before,  and  without  any  pur- 
ple border.  They  were  called  tunicce  rectoe.  San. 

53  Prunceque  batillum.  A pan  for  incense,  frequently  carried  before 
the  emperors,  of  those  possessed  of  the  sovereign  authority.  Ed.  Dubl. 

54  The  stroke  of  satire  here  is  of  a delicate  and  almost  imperceptible 
malignity.  Formise,  the  city  which  Horace  means,  belonged  to  the  La- 
mian  family,  whose  antiquity  was  a great  honor  to  it.  But  our  poet 
paraphrases  it  by  the  name  of  a person,  who  was  born  there,  and  who 
has  made  his  country  famous  in  a very  different  manner.  Mamurra  was 
a Roman  knight,  who  was  infamous  for  his  rapine,  luxury  and  debauch- 
ery. Catullus  calls  him  Decoctor  Formianus.  Torr. 

55  Murena  was  brother  of  Licymnia,  married  afterward  to  Maecenas. 
He  was  condemned  to  death  for  conspiring  against  Augustus.  Yarius 
and  Plotius  Tucca  were  the  persons  to  whom  Augustus  intrusted  the 
correction  of  the  AEneid,  after  Virgil’s  death,  but  with  an  order  not  to 
make  any  additions  to  it.  Fran. 

56  Farochi.  Before  the  consulship  of  Lucius  Posthumius,  the  magis- 
trates of  Rome  traveled  at  the  public  charge,  without  being  burthensome 
to  the  provinces.  Afterward  commissaries  were  appointed  in  all  the 
great  roads  to  defray  all  expenses  of  those  who  were  employed  in  the 
business  of  the  state.  They  were  obliged,  by  the  Lex  Julia  de  province , 
to  provide  lodging,  fire,  salt,  hay,  straw,  etc.  Ed.  Dubl. 


SAT.  V. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


1G3 


wliat  ancestry  descended  each  began  the  contest.  The  illus- 
trious race  of  Messius — Oscan  :57  Sarmentus’s  mistress  is  still 
alive.  Sprung  from  such  families  as  these,  they  came  to  the 
combat.  First,  Sarmentus:  “I  pronounce  thee  to  have  the 
look  of  a mad  horse.”  We  laugh;  and  Messius  himself  [says], 
“ I accept  your  challenge  and  wags  his  head.  “ O !”  cries 
he,  “ if  the  horn  were  not  cut  off  your  forehead,  what  would 
you  not  do  ; since,  maimed  as  you  are,  you  bully  at  such  a 
rate  ?”  For  a foul  scar  has  disgraced  the  left  part  of  Mes- 
sius’s  bristly  forehead.  Cutting  many  jokes  upon  his  Cam- 
panian disease,  and  upon  his  face,  he  desired  him  to  exhibit 
Polyphemus’s  dance  :58  that  he  had  no  occasion  for  a mask, 
or  the  tragic  buskins.  Cicirrus  [retorted]  largely  to  these : 
he  asked,  whether  he  had  consecrated  his  chain09  to  the  house- 
hold gods  according  to  his  vow ; though  he  was  a scribe,  [he 
told  him]  his  mistress’s  property  in  him  was  not  the  less. 
Lastly,  he  asked,  how  he  ever  came  to  run  away;  such  a lank 
meager  fellow,  for  whom  a pound  of  com  [a-day]  would  be 
ample.60  We  were  so  diverted,  that  we  continued  that  supper 
to  an  unusual  length. 

Hence  we  proceed  straight  on  for  Beneventum ; where  the 
bustling  landlord  almost  burned  himself,  in  roasting  some  lean 

57  Osci  is  a nominative  case,  and  we  must  construe  it,  Osci  sunt  clarum 
genus  Messii.  The  Oscans  gave  to  Messius  his  illustrious  birth,  a suffi- 
cient proof  that  he  was  an  infamous  scoundrel.  The  people  who  inhab- 
ited this  part  of  Campania  were  guilty  of  execrable  debaucheries.  Sax. 

58  Saltaret  utl  Cyclopa.  The  raillery  is  founded  on  his  gigantic  size, 
and  the  villainous  gash  that  Messius  had  on  his  forehead,  which  made 
him  look  so  like  a Polyphemus,  that  he  might  dance  the  part  without 
buskins  or  a mask.  To  dance  a Cyclops,  a Glaucus,  a Ganymede,  a Leda, 
was  an  expression  for  representing  their  story  by  dancing.  Ed.  Dubl. 

59  Donassetjamne  catenam.  Only  the  vilest  slaves,  or  those  who  worked 
in  the  country,  were  chained.  It  appears  by  an  epigram  of  Martial,  that 
when  they  were  set  at  liberty,  they  consecrated  their  chains  to  Saturn, 
because  slavery  was  unknown  under  his  reign.  But  when  Messius  asks 
Sarmentus  whether  he  had  dedicated  his  chain  to  the  Dii  Lares , he  would 
reproach  him  with  being  a fugitive.  These  gods  were  invoked  by  trav- 
elers, because  they  presided  over  highways,  from  whence  they  were 
called  viales.  They  themselves  were  always  represented  like  travelers, 
as  if  they  were  ready  to  leave  the  house ; succincti.  Or  Sarmentus  was 
a slave  so  vile  that  he  knew  no  other  gods,  but  those  who  stood  on  the 
hearth,  and  which  it  was  his  employment  to  keep  clean.  Dac. 

60  By  the  laws  of  the  twelve  tables,  a slave  was  allowed  a pound  of 
corn  a day.  “ Qui  eum  vinctum  habebit,  libras  farris  in  dies  dato.” 
Turnebus. 


164 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


thrushes : for,  the  fire  falling  through  the  old  kitchen  [floor], 
the  spreading  flame  made  a great  progress  toward  the  highest 
part  of  the  roof.  Then  you  might  have  seen  the  hungry  guests 
and  frightened  slaves  snatching  their  supper  out  [of  the  flames], 
and  every  body  endeavoring  to  extinguish  the  fire. 

After  this  Apulia  began  to  discover  to  me  her  well-known 
mountains,  which  the  Atabulus  scorches  [with  his  blasts] : 
and  through  which  we  should  never  have  crept,  unless  the 
neighboring  village  of  Trivicus  had  received  us,  not  without 
a smoke  that  brought  tears  into  our  eyes;  occasioned  by  a 
hearth’s  burning  some  green  boughs  with  the  leaves  upon  them. 
Here,  like  a great  fool  as  I was,  I wait  till  midnight  for  a 
deceitful  mistress : sleep,  however,  overcomes  me,  while  medi- 
tating love ; and  disagreeable  dreams  make  me  ashamed  of 
myself  and  every  thing  about  me. 

Hence  we  were  bowled  away  in  chaises  twenty-four  miles, 
intending  to  stop  at  a little  town,  which  one  can  not  name  in 
a verse,  but  it  is  easily  enough  known  by  description.61  For 
water  is  sold  here,  though  the  worst  in  the  world ; but 
their  bread  is  exceeding  fine,  inasmuch  that  the  weary  traveler 
is  used  to  carry  it  willingly  on  his  shoulders;  for  [the  bread] 
at  Canusium  is  gritty ; a pitcher  of  water  is  worth  no  more 
[than  it  is  here] : which  place  was  formerly  built  by  the 
valiant  Diomedes.  Here  Varius  departs  dejected  from  his 
weeping  friends. 

Hence  we  came  to  Rubi,  fatigued : because  we  made  a long 
journey,  and  it  was  rendered  still  more  troublesome  by  the 
rains.  Next  day  the  weather  was  better,  the  road  worse, 
even  to  the  very  walls  of  Barium  that  abounds  in  fish.  In 
the  next  place  Egnatia,  which  [seems  to  have]  been  built  on 
troubled  waters,  gave  us  occasion  for  jests  and  laughter ; for 
they  wanted  to  persuade  us,  that  at  this  sacred  portal  the  in- 
cense melted  without  fire.  The  Jew  Apella  may  believe  this, 
not  I.  For  I have  learned  [from  Epicurus],  that  the  gods  dwell 
in  a state  of  tranquillity ; nor,  if  nature  effect  any  wonder,  that 
the  anxious  gods  send  it  from  the  high  canopy  of  the  heavens. 

Brundusium  ends  both  my  long  journey,  and  my  paper. 

61  This  (as  the  Schol.  informs  us)  was  Equotuticum.  The  reason  that 
it  can  not  occur  in  dactylics  is,  that  the  first  is  short,  and  the  next  two 
syllables  long,  while  the  penultimate- is  short.  Were  the  first  long,  there 
could  be  no  difficulty  about  introducing  it.  M‘Caul. 


SAT.  VI. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


165 


SATIRE  VI. 

Of  true  nobility . 

Not  Mrccenas,  though  of  all  the  Lydians62  that  ever  inhab- 
ited the  Tuscan  territories,  no  one  is  of  a nobler  family  than 
yourself;  and  though  you  have  ancestors  both  on  father’s  and 
mother’s  side,  that  in  times  past  have  had  the  command  of 
mighty  legions ; do  you,  as  the  generality  are  wont,  toss  up 
your  nose  at  obscure  people,  such  as  me,  who  had  [only]  a 
freed-man63  for  my  father : since  you  affirm  that  it  is  of  no 
consequence  of  what  parents  any  man  is  born,  so  that  he  be 
a man  of  merit.  You  persuade  yourself,  with  truth,  that  before 
the  dominions  of  Tullius,  and  the  reign  of  one  born  a 
slave,  frequently  numbers  of  men  descended  from  ancestors 
of  no  rank,  have  both  lived  as  men  of  merit,  and  have  been 
distingufched  by  the  greatest  honors : [while]  on  the  other 
hand  Laevinus,  the  descendant  of  that  famous  Valerius,  by 
whose  means  Tarquinius  Superbus  was  expelled  from  his 
kingdom,  was  not  a farthing  more  esteemed64  [on  account  of 
his  family,  even]  in  the  judgment  of  the  people,  with  whose 
disposition  you  are  well  acquainted ; who  often  foolishly  be- 
stow honors  on  the  unworthy,  and  are  from  their  stupidity 
slaves  to  a name  : who  are  struck  with  admiration  by  inscrip- 
tions and  statues.  What  is  it  fitting  for  us  to  do,  who  are  far, 
very  far  removed  from  the  vulgar  [in  our  sentiments]  ? For 
grant  it,  that  the  people  had  rather  confer  a dignity  on  Lse- 
vinus  than  on  Decius,  who  is  a new  man ; and  the  censor 

62  Lydorum  quicquid  Etruscos.  Mr.  Dacier,  upon  the  single  authority 
of  Dionysius  Halicarnassensis,  asserts  that  the  Tuscans  were  not  de- 
scended from  the  Lydians.  Yet  Horace  had  a poetical  right  to  the  tra- 
dition, as  it  was  generally  believed,  although  it  might  possibly  be  false. 
But  it  is  supported  by  Herodotus,  Tully,  Virgil,  Strabo,  Servius.  Pliny, 
Tacitus,  Velleius,  Seneca,  Plutarch,  Valerius  Maximus,  Silius,  and  Sta- 
tius. San. 

63  In  the  first  ages  of  the  republic  libertinus  and  liberti films  had  the 
same  signification ; but  some  time  before  Cicero,  as  we  are  informed  by 
Suetonius,  the  manner  of  speaking  was  changed,  and  from  thence  libertus 
and  libertinus  were  used  as  synonymous  terms  to  signify  a man  who  was 
made  free.  San. 

64  Licuisse.  Laevinus  is  here  pleasantly  set  up  to  auction,  for  licere 
was  the  term  used  to  signify  raising  the  sale.  Tore. 


166 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


Appius  would  expel  me  [the  senate-house],  because  I was 
not  sprung  from  a sire  of  distinction  : and  that  too  deservedly, 
inasmuch  as  I rested  not  content  in  my  own  condition.  But 
glory  drags  in  her  dazzling  car  the  obscure  as  closely  fettered 
as  those  of  nobler  birth.  What  did  it  profit  you,  O Tullius, 
to  resume  the  robe  that  you  [were  forced]  to  lay  aside,  and 
become  a tribune  [again]  ? Envy  increased  upon  you,  which 
had  been  less,  if  you  had  remained  in  a private  station.  For 
when  any  crazy  fellow  has  laced  the  middle  of  his  leg  with 
the  sable  buskins,65  and  has  let  flow  the  purple  robe  from  his 
breast,  he  immediately  hears  : “ Who  is  this  man  ? Whose  son 
is  he  V9  Just  as  if  there  be  any  one,  who  labors  under  the 
same  distemper  as  Barrus  does,  so  that  he  is  ambitious  of  being 
reckoned  handsome ; let  him  go  where  he  will,  he  excites  curi- 
osity among  the  girls  of  inquiring  into  particulars ; as  what 
sort  of  face,  leg,  foot,  teeth,  hair,  he  has.  Thus  he  who  engages66 
to  his  citizens  to  take  care  of  the  city,  the  empire,  and  Italy, 
and  the  sanctuaries  of  the  gods,  forces  every  mortal  $o  be  so- 
licitous, and  to  ask  from  what  sire  he  is  descended,  or  whether 
he  is  base  by  the  obscurity  of  his  mother.  What  ? do  you, 
the  son  of  a Syrus,67  a Dama,  or  a Dionysius,  dare , to  cast 
down  the  citizens  of  Rome  from  the  [Tarpeian]  rock,  or  de- 
liver them  up  to  Cadmus  [the  executioner]  ? But,  [you  may 
say,]  my  colleague  Novius  sits68  below  me  by  one  degree : 
for  he  is  only  what  my  father  was.  And  therefore  do  you 
esteem  yourself  a Paulus  or  a Messala  ? But  he  (Novius),  if 
two  hundred  carriages  and  three  funerals  were  to  meet  in  the 
forum,  could  make  noise  enough69  to  drown  all  their  horns  and 
trumpets  :70  this  [kind  of  merit]  at  least  has  its  weight  with  us. 

65  The  buskins  worn  by  senators  were  black,  and  sometimes  white ; 
those  of  the  curule  magistrates  were  red.  Tore. 

66  Sic  qui  promiltit.  This  was  the  form  of  a senator’s  and  a magis- 
trate’s oath.  Cruq. 

67  Syri,  Damce , aut  Dionysi.  These  three  names  are  the  names  of 
slaves.  Damas  or  Dama  is  a contraction  of  Demetrius ; Syrus  is  fre- 
quently the  slave  in  comedy.  Dac. 

es  Sedet  is  a law  word,  properly  applied  to  senators,  praetors,  and  other 
judges  when  seated  on  the  bench,  in  execution  of  their  office.  Torr. 

69  Magna  sonabit.  Funerals  usually  passed  through  the  forum,  antf 
Novius  could  pronounce  an  oration  with  a voice  of  thunder.  Horace 
laughs  at  his  being  made  a senator  for  an  accomplishment  which  coulcj 
only  entitle  him  to  the  office  of  a crier.  Dac. 

70  Trumpets  were  used  at  the  funerals  of  men,  and  flutes  at  those  of 


SAT.  VI. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


167 


Now  I return  to  myself,  who  am  descended  from  a freed- 
man  ; whom  every  body  nibbles  at,  as  being  descended  from  a 
freed-man.  Now,  because,  Maecenas,  I am  a constant  guest  of 
yours ; but  formerly,  because  a Roman  legion  was  under  my 
command,  as  being  a military  tribune.  This  latter'  case  is  dif- 
ferent from  the  former:  for,  though  any  person  perhaps  might 
justly  envy  me  that  post  of  honor,  yet  could  he  not  do  so  with 
regard  to  your  being  my  friend ! especially  as  you  are  cautious 
to  admit  such  as  are  worthy  ; and  are  far  from  having  any  sin- 
ister ambitious  views.  I can  not  reckon  myself  a lucky  fellow 
on  this  account,  as  if  it  were  by  accident  that  I got  you  for  my 
friend ; for  no  kind  of  accident  threw  you  in  my  way.  That 
best  of  men,  Virgil,  long  ago,  and  after  him,  Varius,  told  you 
what  I was.  When  first  I came  into  your  presence,  I spoke  a 
few  words  in  a broken  manner  (for  childish  bashfulness  hin- 
dered me  from  speaking  more) ; I did  not  tell  you  that  I was 
the  issue  of  an  illustrious  father : I did  not  [pretend]  that  I rodo 
about  the  country  on  a Satureian  horse,  but  plainly  what  I real- 
ly was  ; you  answer  (as  your  custom  is)  a few  words  : I depart : 
and  you  re-invite  me  after  the  ninth  month,  and  command  me 
to  be  in  the  number  of  your  friends.  I esteem  it  a great  thing 
that  I pleased  you,  who  distinguish  probity  from  baseness,  not 
by  the  illustriousness  of  a father,  but  by  the  purity  of  heart  and 
feelings. 

And  yet  if  my  disposition  be  culpable  for  a few  faults,  and 
those  small  ones,  otherwise  perfect  (as  if  you  should  condemn 
moles  scattered  over  a beautiful  skin),  if  no  one  can  justly  lay 
to  my  charge  avarice,  nor  sordidness,  nor  impure  haunts ; if, 
in  fine  (to  speak  in  my  own  praise),  I live  undefiled,  and  in- 
nocent, and  dear  to  my  friends ; my  father  was  the  cause  of 
all  this  : who  though  a poor  man  on  a lean  farm,  was  unwill- 
ing to  send  me  to  a school  under  [the  pedant]  Flavius,  where 
great  boys,  sprung  from  great  centurions,  having  their  sat- 
chels and  tablets  swung  over  their  left  arm,  used  to  go  with 
money  in  their  hands  the  very  day  it  was  due  ;71  but  had  the 

children.  The  twelve  tables  confined  them  to  ten  in  number.  “ Decern 
tibicines^adhibeto,  hoc  plus  ne  facito.”  Ed.  Dubl. 

71  Octonis  refer entes  idibus  cera.  The  Romans  had  many  stated  times  of 
paying  their  schoolmasters.  Some  imagine  it  was  at  the  beginning,  others 
at  the  end  of  the  year,  or  at  the  grand  festival  of  Minerva,  called  quinqua - 
trus,  or  quinquatria , which  began  the  19th  of  March.  But  the  Minerval 
then  given  to  the  master  was  not  a salary,  but  a voluntary  present. 


168 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


spirit  to  bring  me  a child  to  Rome,  to  be  taught  those  arts 
which  any  Roman  knight  and  senator  can  teach  his  own  chil- 
dren. So  that,  if  any  person  had  considered  my  dress,  and 
the  slaves  who  attended  me  in  so  populous  a city,  he  would 
have  concluded  that  those  expenses  were  supplied  to  me  out  of 
some  hereditary  estate.  He  himself,  of  all  others  the  most 
faithful  guardian,  was  constantly  about  every  one  of  my  pre- 
ceptors. Why  should  I multiply  words  ? He  preserved  me 
chaste  (which  is  the  first  honor  of  virtue)  not  only  from 
every  actual  guilt,  but  likewise  from  [every]  foul  imputation, 
nor  was  he  afraid  lest  any  should  turn  it  to  his  reproach,  if  I 
should  come  to  follow  a business  attended  with  small  profits, 
in  capacity  of  an  auctioneer,  or  (what  he  was  himself)  a tax- 
gatherer.  Nor  [had  that  been  the  case]  should  I have  com- 
plained. On  this  account  the  more  praise  is  due  to  him,  and 
from  me  a greater  degree  of  gratitude.  As  long  as  I am  in 
my  senses,  I can  never  be  ashamed  of  such  a father  as  this, 
and  therefore  shall  not  apologize  [for  my  birth],  in  the  man- 
ner that  numbers  do,  by  affirming  it  to  be  no  fault  of  theirs. 
My  language  and  way  of  thinking  is  far  different  from  such 
persons.  For  if  nature  were  to  make  us  from  a certain  term  of 
years  to  go  over  our  past  time  again,  and  [suffer  us]  to  choose 
other  parents,  such  as  every  man  for  ostentation’s  sake  would 
wish  for  himself ; I,  content  with  my  own,  would  not  assume 
those  that  are  honored  with  the  ensigns  and  seats  of  state  ; 
[for  which  I should  seem]  a madman  in  the  opinion  of  the 
mob,  but  in  yours,  I hope  a man  of  sense ; because  I should 
be  unwilling  to  sustain  a troublesome  burden,  being  by  no 
means  used  to  it.  For  I must  [then]  immediately  set  about 
acquiring  a larger  fortune,  and  more  people  must  be  compli- 
mented ; and  this  and  that  companion  must  be  taken  along, 
so  that  I could  neither  take  a jaunt  into  the  country,  or  a jour- 
ney by  myself;  more  attendants  and  more  horses  must  be 
fed ; coaches  must  be  drawn.  Now,  if  I please,  I can  go  as 
far  as  Tarentum  on  my  bob-tailed  mule,  whose  loins  the  port- 

This  word  has  no  particular  force  here.  It  merely  means  that  the  Ides 
were  eight  days  from  the  Nones.  With  regard  to  idibus  comp.  Sat.  i.  3, 
87.  M‘Caul.  It  appears  from  a passage  of  Martial  that  the  Roman 
youths  had  full  four  months’  vacation ; hence  Octonis  idibus  denote  the 
period  of  tuition  : trans,  “bringing  the  money  for  eight  months’  instruc- 
tion.” Wheeler. 


SAT.  VL 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


160 


manteau  galls  with  his  weight,  as  does  the  horseman  his  shoul- 
ders. No  one  will  lay  to  my  charge  such  sordidness  as  he 
may,  Tullius,  to  you,  when  five  slaves  follow  you,  a praetor, 
along  the  Tiburtian  way,  carrying  a traveling  kitchen,  and  a 
vessel  of  wine.  Thus  I live  more  comfortably,  O illustrious 
senator,  than  you,  and  than  thousands  of  others.  Wherever  I 
have  a fancy,  I walk  by  myself : I inquire  the  price  of  herbs 
and  bread : I traverse  the  tricking  circus,72  and  the  forum 
often  in  the  evening:  I stand  listening  among  the  for- 
tune-tellers : thence  I take  myself  home  to  a plate  of  onions, 
pulse,  and  pancakes.  My  supper  is  served  up  by  three  slaves ; 
and  a white  stone  slab  supports  two  cups  and  a brimmer  : 
near  the  salt-cellar  stands  a homely  cruet  73  with  a little  bowl, 
earthen-ware  from  Campania.  Then  I go  to  rest;  by  no 
means  concerned  that  I must  rise  in  the  morning,  and  pay  a 
visit  to  the  statue  of  Marsyas,74  who  denies  that  he  is  able  to 
bear  the  look  of  the  younger  Novius.  I lie  a-bed  to  the  fourth 
hour ; after  that  I take  a ramble,  or  having  read  or  written 
what  may  amuse  me  in  my  privacy,  I am  anointed  with  oil, 
but  not  with  such  as  the  nasty  Nacca,  when  he  robs  the  lamps. 
But  when  the  sun,  become  more  violent,  has  reminded  me  to 
go  to  bathe,  I avoid  the  Campus  Martius76  and  the  game  of 
hand-ball.  Having  dined  in  a temperate  manner,  just  enough 
to  hinder  me  from  having  an  empty  stomach,  during  the  rest 
of  the  day  I trifle  in  my  own  house.  This  is  the  life  of  those 
who  are  free  from  wretched  and  burthensome  ambition : with 
such  things  as  these  I comfort  myself,  in  a way  to  live  more 

72  He  calls  the  circus  fallacem , deceiving,  because  diviners,  fortune- 
tellers, interpreters  of  dreams,  astrologers,  and  impostors  of  all  sorts 
usually  assemble  there.  Turner. 

73  Echino  vilis.  We  can  not  precisely  determine  what  the  guttus  and 
echinus  were.  Mr.  Dacier  thinks  the  first  was  a little  urn,  out  of  which 
they  poured  water  into  a basin,  echinus , to  wash  their  hands.  Ed.  Dubl. 

7i  Marsyas,  a satyr,  who,  challenging  Apollo  to  a trial  of  skill  in  music, 
was  overcome  and  flayed  alive  by  the  god.  A statue  was  erected  to  him 
in  the  forum,  opposite  to  the  rostra  where  the  judges  determined  causes, 
and  the  poet  pleasantly  says,  it  stood  in  such  an  attitude  as  showed  its 
indignation  to  behold  a man  who  had  been  a slave,  now  sitting  among 
the  magistrates  of  Rome.  The  satyr  forgets,  in  his  resentment  of  such 
a sight,  the  pain  of  being  flayed  alive.  Torr. 

75  Fugio  campum , lusumque  trigonem.  Campus  is  the  Campus  Martius, 
and  lusus  trigon  was  a game  played  with  a ball,  otherwise  called  lusus 
trigonalis , because  the  players  stood  in  a triangle.  Martial  speaks  of  it 
In  more  than  one  place.  Fran. 


8 


170 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  i. 


delightfully  than  if  my  grandfather  had  been  a quaestor,  and 
father  and  uncle  too. 


SATIRE  VII. 

He  humorously  describes  a squabble  betwixt  Rupilius  and  Persius. 

In  what  manner  the  mongrel  Persius76  revenged  the  filth  and 
venom  of  Rupilius,  surnamed  King,  is  I think  known  to  all 
the  blind  men  and  barbers.  This  Persius,  being  a man  of 
fortune,  had  very  great  business  at  Clazomenae,  and,  into  the 
bargain,  certain  troublesome  litigations  wtth  King ; a hardened 
fellow,  and  one  who  was  able  to  exceed  even  King  in  viru- 
lence ; confident,  blustering,  of  such  a bitterness  of  speech, 
that  he  would  outstrip  the  Sisennae77  and  Barri,  if  ever  so  well 
equipped. 

I return  to  King.  After  nothing  could  be  settled  betwixt 
them  (for  people  among  whom  adverse  war  breaks  out,  are 
proportionably  vexatious  on  the  same  account  as  they  are 
brave.  Thus  between  Hector,  the  son  of  Priam,  and  the  high- 
spirited  Achilles,  the  rage  was  of  so  capital  a nature,  that  only 
the  final  destruction  [of  one  of  them]  could  determine  it ; on 
no  other  account,  than  that  valor  in  each  of  them  was  consum- 
mate. If  discord  sets  two  cowards  to  work  ; or  if  an  engage- 
ment happens  between  two  that  are  not  of  a match,  as  that  of 
Diomed  and  the  Lycian  Glaucus ; the  worse  man  will  walk  off, 
[buying  his  peace]  by  voluntarily  sending  presents),  when  Bru- 
tus held  as  praetor78  the  fertile  Asia,  this  pair,  Rupilius  and  Per- 
sius, encountered;  in  such  a manner,  that  [the  gladiators] 

76  Ibrida  Persius.  Persius  was  a Greek  by  his  father,  and  an  Italian 
by  his  mother.  The  Romans  gave  the  name  of  Ibrida  to  those  whom 
parents  were  of  different  nations,  or  different  conditions.  Torr. 

77  Cornelius  Sisenna  being  reproached  by  the  senate  with  the  bad  com 
duct  of  his  wife,  replied,  “I  married  her  by  the  advice  of  Augustus.” 
Insinuating,  Augustus  had  obliged  him  to  marry  her,  that  he  might 
have  a more  easy  commerce  with  her.  Titus  Yeturius  Barras,  having 
ruined  himself  by  his  extravagance,  was  put  to  death  for  violating  a 
vestal  virgin.  Ed.  Dubl. 

78  Marcus  Brutus  and  Cassius  were  praetors  of  Rome  when  Caesar  was 
put  to  death.  In  711  Brutus  went  to  take  possession  of  his  Macedonian 
government,  and  prcetor  may  be  understood  propraetor;  a manner  of 
speaking  of  which  there  are  many  examples.  San. 


SAT.  VIII. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


171 


Bacchius  and  Bithus70  were  not  better  matched.  Impetuous 
they  hurry  to  the  cause,  each  of  them  a fine  sight. 

Persius  opens  his  case ; and  is  laughed  at  by  all  the  assem- 
bly ; he  extols  Brutus,  and  extols  the  guard ; he  styles  Brutus 
the  sun  of  Asia,  and  his  attendants  he  styles  salutary  stars,  all 
except  King ; that  he  [lie  says,]  came  like  that  dog,  the  con- 
stellation hateful  to  husbandman  : he  poured  along  like  a wintery 
Hood,  where  the  ax  seldom  comes. 

Then,  upon  his  running  on  in  so  smart  and  fluent  a manner, 
the  Praenestine  [king]  directs  some  witticisms  squeezed  from  the 
vineyard,80  himself  a hardy  vine-dresser,  never  defeated,  to  whom 
the  passenger  had  often  been  obliged  to  yield,  bawling  cuckoo 
with  roaring  voice. 

But  the  Grecian  Persius,  as  soon  as  he  had  been  well  sprin- 
kled with  Italian  vinegar,  bellows  out : O Brutus,  by  the  great 
gods  I conjure  you,  who  are  accustomed  to  take  off  kings,81  why 
do  you  not  dispatch  this  King  ? Believe  me,  this  is  a piece  of 
work  which  of  right  belongs  to  you. 


SATIRE  VIII. 

Priapus  complains  that  the  Esquilian  mount  is  infested  with  the 
incantations  of  sorceressesa 

Formerly  I was  the  trunk  of  a wild  fig-tree,  an  uselss  log  :83 
when  the  artificer,  in  doubt  whether  he  should  make  a stool 
or  a Priapus  of  me,  determined  that  I should  be  a god. 
Henceforward  I became  a god,  the  greatest  terror  of  thieves 

79  The  Scholiast  tells  us,  that  Bithus  and  Bacchius  were  two  gladiators, 
who  certainly  put  to  d£ath  whoever  fought  with  them.  They  afterward 
engaged  together,  and  both  expired  on  the  stage.  Ed.  Dubl. 

80  Horace  means  a particular  kind  of  vine,  arbustiva , that  grew  round 
trees,  in  which  the  people  who  gathered  the  grapes  stood  exposed  to  the 
raillery  of  the  travelers.  In  such  an  attitude  our  durus  Vindemiator  had 
often  appeared.  All  sort  of  injurious  language  was  allowed  during  the 
vintage ; a custom  that  still  continues  in  Naples.  Dac. 

81  Lucius  Junius  Brutus  expelled  Tarquinius  Superbus.  * Marcus  Bru  - 
tus freed  his  country  from  the  imperial  power  of  Julius  Caesar.  From  the 
introduction  of  this,  we  may  conjecture  that  Horace,  at  the  time  of  writ- 
ing this  satire,  had  not  yet  espoused  the  side  of  Augustus.  M‘Caul. 

82  The  wood  of  a fig-tree  was  very  little  used,  on  account  of  its  brit* 
tleness.  Schol. 


172 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


and  birds : for  my  right  hand  restrains  thieves,  and  a bloody- 
looking  pole  stretched  out  from  my  frightful  middle  : but  a 
reed  fixed  upon  the  crown  of  my  head  terrifies  the  mischievous 
birds,  and  hinders  them  from  settling  in  these  new  gar- 
dens/3 Before  this  the  fellow-slave  bore  dead  corpses  thrown 
out  of  their  narrow  cells  to  this  place,  in  order  to  be  deposited 
in  paltry  coffins.  This  place  stood  a common  sepulcher  for 
the  miserable  mob,  for  the  buffoon  Pantolabus,  and  Nomen- 
tanus  the  rake.  Here  a column  assigned  a thousand  feet64  [of 
ground]  in  front,  and  three  hundred  toward  the  fields:  that 
the  burial-place  should  not  descend  to  the  heirs  of  the  es- 
tate. Now  one  may  live  in  the  Esquilise,85  [since  it  is  made] 
a healthy  place  ; and  walk  upon  an  open  terrace,  where  lately 
the  melancholy  passengers  beheld  the  ground  frightful  with 
white  bones  ; though  both  the  thieves  and  wild  beasts  accus- 
tomed to  infest  this  place,  do  not  occasion  me  so  much  care 
and  trouble,  as  do  [these  hags],  that  turn  people’s  minds  by 
their  incantations  and  drugs.  These  I can  not  by  any  means 
destroy  nor  hinder,  but  that  they  will  gather  bones  and  noxious 
herbs,  as  soon  as  the  fleeting  moon80  has  shown  her  beauteous 
face. 

I myself  saw  Canidia,  with  her  sable  garment  tucked  up, 
walk  with  bare  feet  and  disheveled  hair,  yelling  together  with 
the  elder  Sagana.  Paleness  had  rendered  both  of  them  hor- 
rible to  behold.  They  began  to  claw  up  the  earth  with  their 
nails,  and  to  tear  a black  ewe-lamb  to  pieces  with  their  teeth. 

83  Octavius,  willing  to  correct  the  infection  of  this  hill,  which  was  a 
common  burial-place  for  all  the  poor  of  Rome,  got  the  consent  of  the 
senate  and  people  to  give  part  of  it  to  Maecenas,  who  built  a magnificent 
house  there  with  very  extensive  gardens.  Hence  the  poet  calls  them 
novis  hortis  San. 

84  Mille  pedes  in  fronte.  Such  was  the  title  of  the  grave-yard,  pre- 
served on  a pillar  of  stone,  cippus,  to  show  its  extent,  and  to  declare  it 
was  never  to  return  to  the  heirs  of  the  estate.  We  have  numberless  in- 
scriptions of  this  kind,  Ita  ne  unquam  de  nomine  Family  nostre 

EXEAT  HOC  MONUMENTUM.  HOC  MONUMENTUM  HEREDES  NON  SEQUITUR. 

In  Fronte  Lat.  ped.  XX.  et  dig.  II.  In  agr.  long.  ped.  XX.  In 
fronte  signifies  to  the  road:  in  agro , to  the  fields.  Dabat  is  for  indicabat , 
testabatur.  Torr. 

85  The  air  was  afterward  so  healthy,  that  Augustus  was  carried  thither 
when  he  was  ill.  Torr. 

86  The  moon,  presided  over  all  enchantments,  and  was  believed  to  be 
most  favorable  when  in  the  full,  decorum  05,  because  she  then  infused  a 
stronger  spirit  into  the  magical  herbs.  Torr. 


SAT.  VIII. 


SATIRES  OF  nORACE. 


173 

The  blood  was  poured  into  a ditch,  that  thence  they  might 
charm  out  the  shades87  of  the  dead,  ghosts  that  were  to  give 
them  answers.  There  was  a woolen  effigy88  too,  another  of 
wax : the  woolen  one  larger,  which  was  to  inflict  punishment 
on  the  little  one.89  The  waxen  stood  in  a suppliant  posture, 
as  ready  to  perish  in  a servile  manner.  One  of  the  hags  in- 
vokes Hecate,  and  the  other  fell  Tisiphone.  Then  might  you 
see  serpents  and  infernal  bitches90  wander  about ; and  the 
moon  with  blushes  hiding  behind  the  lofty  monuments,  that 
she  might  not  be  a witness  to  these  doings.  But  if  I lie,  even 
a tittle,  may  my  head  be  contaminated  with  the  white  filth  of 
ravens ; and  may  Julius,  and  the  effeminate  Miss  Pediatous,91 
and  the  knave  Voranus,  come  to  water  upon  me,  and  befoul 
me.  Why  should  I mention  every  particular  ? viz.  in  what 
manner,  speaking  alternately  with  Sagana,  the  ghosts  uttered 
dismal  and  piercing  shrieks  ; and  how  by  stealth  they  laid  in 
the  earth  a wolf’s  beard,  with  the  teeth  of  a spotted  snake  ; 
and  how  a great  blaze  flamed  forth  from  the  waxen  image  % 
And  how  I was  shocked  at  the  voices  and  actions  of  these 
two  furies,  a spectator  however  by  no  means  incapable  of  re- 
venge ? For  from  my  cleft  body  of  fig-tree92  wood  I uttered 
a loud  noise  with  as  great  an  explosion  as  a burst  bladder. 
But  they  ran  into  the  city : and  with  exceeding  laughter  and 
diversion  might  you  have  seen  Canidia’s  artificial  teeth,  and 

• , vis.**  .V 

87  Black  victims  alone  were  sacrificed  to  tlie  infernal  gods,  nor  was 
any  thing  supposed  more  delicious  to  the  souls  of  the  departed  than 
blood.  They  could  not  foretell  any  future  events,  or  answer  any  ques- 
tions, until  they  had  drank  of  it.  Ulysses  was  obliged  to  draw  his  sword 
to  frighten  them  away  from  the  blood  he  had  poured  into  the  trench  for 
Tiresias.  Dac. 

88  The  image  of  wool  represented  the  person  they  were  willing  should 
survive  the  other  represented  by  that  of  wax.  ’T  is  for  this  reason  that 
the  images  were  made  of  different  materials,  that  their  fates  might  be 
different.  Watson. 

89  This  little  figure  probably  represented  Darius,  who  had  forsaken 
Canidia,  as  we  find  in  the  fifth  epode.  San. 

90  The  serpents  were  forerunners  of  Tisiphone,  and  the  bitches  foretold 
that  her  infernal  majesty  was  coming.  Torii. 

91  Julius  et  fragilis  Pediatia.  We  know  not  who  Julius  was.  Pedi- 
atius  was  an  infamous  Roman  knight,  whom  Horace,  for  his  effeminacy, 
calls  Pediatia.  Thus  Aristophanes  calls  Cleonymus  Gleonyma ; Sostra- 
tus,  Sostrata.  Cp.uq. 

92  Ficus,  i.  e.  I,  an  image  made  of  the  truncus  ficulnus.  The  heat  made 
the  wood  crack  with  a noise,  which  put  the  witches  to  flight.  M‘Caul. 


174 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


Sagana’s  towering  tete  of  false  hair  falling  off,  and  the  herbs, 
and  the  enchanted  bracelets  from  her  arms. 


SATIRE  IX. 

He  describes  his  sufferings  from  the  loquacity  of  an  impertinent  fellow. 

I was  accidentally  going  along  the  Via  Sacra,  meditating  on 
some  trifle  or  other,  as  is  my  custom,  and  totally  intent  upon 
it.  A certain  person,  known  to  me  by  name  only,  runs  up  ; 
and,  having  seized  my  hand,  44  How  do  you  do,  my  dearest 
fellow  ?”  44  Tolerably  well,”  say  I,  44  as  times  go  ; and  I wish 

you  every  thing  you  can  desire.”  When  he  still  followed  me  ; 
44  Would  you  any  thing  ?”9 3 said  I to  him.  But,  44  You  know 
me,”  says  he : 44 1 am  a man  of  learning.”  44  Upon  that  ac- 
count,” says  1 : 44  you  will  have  more  of  my  esteem.”  W anting 
sadly  to  get  away  from  him,  sometimes  I walked  on  apace, 
now  and  then  I stopped,  and  I whispered  something  to  my  boy. 
When  the  sweat  ran  down  to  the  bottom  of  my  ankles.  O, 
said  I to  myself,  Bolanus,94  how  happy  were  you  in  a head- 
piece!  Meanwhile  he  kept  prating  on  any  thing  that  came 
uppermost,  praised  the  streets,  the  city ; and,  when  I made 
him  no  answer;  44 You  want  terribly,”  said  he  44 to  get  away; 
I perceived  it  long  ago ; but  you  effect  nothing.  I shall  still 

93  Numquid  vis.  Donatus  tells  us  in  a remark  upon  a passage  in  Ter- 
ence, that  it  was  a polite  customary  manner  of  speaking  among  the 
Romans,  that  they  might  not  seem  to  take  their  leave  too  abruptly,  to 
say  at  parting,  “ numquid  vis ?”  as  in  modern  phrase,  “have  you  any 
commands?”  “Abituri,  ne  id  dure  facerent,  ‘numquid  vis’  dicebant 
his,  quibuscum  constituent.”  Ed.  Dubl 

94  Bolanus  was  a very  irritable  person.  Schol.  Horace  then  pro- 
nounces him  cerebri  felicem ; for  were  he  but  in  this  fellow’s  company, 
he  would  break  out  into  a storm  of  passion  that  would  drive  him  away. 
It  appears  more  humorous  to  suppose  him  a heavy,  stupid  person,  so 
apathetic  that  not  even  this  fellow  would  annoy  him.  E.  Similarly 
Demea  in  Terent.  Adelph.  v.  5,  exclaims, 

“ fortunatus,  qui  istoc  animo  sies  ; 

Ego  sentio.”  M‘Caul. 

Bolanus  was  a surname  of  the  Vettii  derived  from  Bola,  a town  of  the 
iEqui. — Gelebri  felicem.  Thus  fianaplfa  oe  Trjg  nafifirjoiag,  and  Yirg. 
Geor.  i.  211,  “felices  operum  dies.”  Wheeler. 


SAT.  IX. 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


I 75 


stick  close  to  you ; I shall  follow  you  lienee  : where  arc  you 
at  present  bound  for?”  “There  is  no  need  for  your  being 
carried  so  much  about : I want  to  see  a person,  who  is  un- 
known to  you  : he  lives  a great  way  off  across  the  Tiber,  just 
by  Caesar’s  gardens.”  “ I have  nothing  to  do,  and  I am  not 
lazy ; I will  attend  you  thither  ” I hang  down  my  ears  like 
an  ass  of  surly  disposition,  when  a heavier  load  than  ordinary 
is  put  upon  liis  back.  He  begins  again : “ If  I am  tolerably 
acquainted  with  myself,  you  will  not  esteem  Viscus  or  Varius 
as  a friend,  more  than  me  ; for  who  can  write  more  verses,  or 
in  a shorter  time  than  I ? Who  can  move  his  limbs  with  softer 
grace  [in  the  dance]  ? And  then  I sing,  so  that  even  Hermo- 
genes  may  envy.” 

Here  there  was  an  opportunity  of  interrupting  him.  “Have 
you  a mother,  [or  any]  relations  that  are  interested  in  your 
welfare?”  “Not  one  have  I;  I have  buried  them  all.” 
“ Happy  they  ! now  I remain.  Dispatch  me  : for  the  fatal 
moment  is  at  hand,  which  an  old  Sabine  sorceress,  having 
shaken  her  divining  urn,95  foretold  when  I was  a boy ; 4 This 
child,  neither  shall  cruel  poison,  nor  the  hostile  sword,  nor 
pleurisy,  nor  cough,  nor  the  crippling  gout  destroy : a babbler 
shall  one  day  demolish  him  ; if  he  be  wise,  let  him  avoid  talk- 
ative people,  as  soon  as  he  comes  to  man’s  estate.’  ” 

One  fourth00  of  the  day  being  now  passed,  we  came  to  Vesta’s 
temple ; and,  as  good  luck  would  have  it,  he  was  obliged  to 
appear  to  his  recogniaznce ; which  unless  lie  did,  he  must 
have  lost  his  cause.  “If  you  love  me,”  said  he,  “step 
in  here  a little.”  “ May  I die  ! if  I be  either  able  to  stand  it 
out,97  or  have  any  knowledge  of  the  civil  laws  : and  besides, 


95  The  divination  was  performed  in  this  manner.  A number  of  letters 
and  entire  words  were  thrown  into  an  urn  and  shaken  together.  When 
they  were  well  mixed,  they  were  poured  out,  and  if  any  thing  intelligible 
appeared  in  them,  from  thence  the  witch  formed  lier  divination  and 
answers.  Fran. 

95  The  first  hour  of  the  day  among  the  Romans  answered  to  our 
sixth.  Martial  says  the  courts  were  open  at  nine  o’clock,  “ exercet 
raucos  tertia  causidicos it  was,  therefore,  more  than  an  hour  after  their 
opening,  that  Horace  passed  by  the  temple  of  Vesta. 

97  Aut  valeo  stare.  Horace  uses  the  law  terms,  “ respondere,  adesse, 
stare,  rem  relinquere.”  The  first  signifies  to  appear  before  a judge  upon 
a summons ; the  second  was  properly  to  attend  on  the  person  who  ap- 
peared, and  to  support  his  cause ; the  third  marks  the  posture  in  which 


176 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


I am  in  a hurry,  you  know  whither.”  “ I am  in  doubt  what 
I shall  do,”  said  he ; “ whether  desert  you  or  my  cause.” 
“ Me,  I beg  of  you.”  “ I will  not  do  it,”  said  he  ; and  began 
to  take  the  lead  of  me.  I (as  it  is  difficult  to  contend  with 
one’s  master)  follow  him.  “ How  stands  it  with  Maecenas 
and  you  ?”  Thus  he  begins  his  prate  again.  “ He  is  one  of 
few  intimates,98  and  of  a very  wise  way  of  thinking.  No  man 
ever  made  use  of  opportunity  with  more  cleverness.  You 
should  have  a powerful  assistant,99  who  could  play  an  under- 
part, if  you  were  disposed  to  recommend  this  man ; may  I 
perish,  if  you  should  not  supplant  all  the  rest !”  “We  do  not 
live  there  in  the  manner  you  imagine  ; there  is  not  a house 
that  is  freer  or  more  remote  from  evils  of  this  nature.  It  is 
never  of  any  disservice  to  me,  that  any  particular  person  is 
wealthier  or  a better  scholar  than  I am : every  individual  has 
his  proper  place.”  “ You  tell  me  a marvelous  thing,  scarcely 
credible.”  “ But  it  is  even  so.”  “ You  the  more  inflame  my 
desires  to  be  near  his  person.”  “You  need  only  be  inclined  to 
it : such  is  your  merit,  you  will  accomplish  it : and  he  is 
capable  of  being  won;100  and  on  that  account  the  first  access 

he  stood,  and  relinquere  causam  to  suffer  himself  to  be  non-suited  for  not 
appearing.  Ed.  Dubl. 

93  Paucorum  hominum.  “ A man  of  discernment,  who  does  not  con- 
verse with  the  multitude,”  as  in  Terence,  “hie  homo  est  perpaucorum, 
hominum.”  Scipio  having  engaged  three  or  four  friends  to  sup  with  him, 
and  intending  to  make  some  others,  who  came  to  see  him,  stay  with  him, 
Pontius  whispered  him,  “ Consider,  Scipio,  what  you  are  doing ; this  is 
a delicate  fish,  paucorum  hominum , and  does  not  love  a great  deal  of 
company.”  Ed.  Dubl. 

99  Adjutor  was  a person  who  assisted  a player  either  with  his  voice  or 
action,  but  in  what  manner  is  to  us  inconceivable,  as  we  have  nothing 
like  it  in  our  stage.  Ferre  secundas  may  be  somewhat  better  explained 
by  a passage  in  Cicero:  “He  will  not  exert  his  utmost  eloquence,  but 
consult  your  honor  and  reputation,  by  lowering  his  own  abilities  and 
raising  yours.  Thus  we  see  among  the  Grecian  actors,  that  he  who  plays 
the  second  or  third  part,  conceals  his  own  power,  that  the  principal  player 
may  appear  to  the  best  advantage.”  Ed.  Dubl. 

Our  impertinent  therefore  promises  Horace,  that  far  from  any  design 
of  supplanting  him  in  the  favor  of  Maecenas,  he  will  be  contented  to  play 
the  second  part,  and  use  his  utmost  abilities  to  raise  our  poet’s  character, 
as  a principal  actor.  The  reader  may  turn  to  the  note  on  the  twelfth 
line  in  the  eighteenth  epistle.  Fran. 

100  The  poet  says  Maecenas  was  naturally  easy  to  be  gained,  but  that 
a sense  of  his  own  weakness  obliged  him  to  guard  himself  against  the 
first  addresses  of  a stranger.  “ E5,”  for  “ ideo  difficiles  aditus  primos  habet, 


SAT.  IX. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


177 


to  him  lie  makes  difficult.”  “ I will  not  be  wanting  to  myself: 
I will  corrupt  his  servants  with  presents ; if  I am  excluded 
to-day,  I will  not  desist ; I will  seek  opportunities ; I will 
meet  him  in  the  public  streets ; I will  wait  upon  him  home. 
Life  allows  nothing  to  mortals  without  great  labor.”  While 
he  was  running  on  at  this  rate,  lo ! Fuscus  Aristius  comes  up, 
a dear  friend  of  mine,  and  one  who  knows  the  fellow  well. 
We  make  a stop.  “ Whence  come  you?  whither  are  you 
going  ?”  he  asks  and  answers.  I began  to  twitch  him  [by  the 
elbow],  and  to  take  hold  of  his  arms  [that  were  affectedly] 
passive,  nodding  and  distorting  my  eyes,  that  he  might  rescue 
me.  Cruelly  arch  he  laughs,  and  pretends  not  to  take  the 
hint : anger  galled  my  liver.  “ Certainly,”  [said  I,  “ Fuscus,] 
you  said  that  you  wanted  to  communicate  something  to  me  in 
private.”  “ I remember  it  very  well ; but  will  tell  it  you  at 
a better  opportunity  : to-day  is  the  thirtieth  sabbath.1  Would 
you  affront  the  circumcised  Jews  ?”  I reply,  “ I have  no 
scruple  [on  that  account].”  “ But  I have  : I am  something 
weaker,  one  of  the  multitude.  You  must  forgive  me : I will 
speak  with  you  on  another  occasion.”  And  has  this  sun  arisen 
so  disastrous  upon  me!  The  wicked  rogue  runs  away,  and 
leaves  me  under  the  knife.  But  by  luck  his  adversary  met 
him : and,  u Whither  are  you  going,  you  infamous  fellow  ?” 
roars  he  with  a loud  voice  : and,  “ Do  you  witness  the  arrest  ?”a 

quia  est  qui  vinci  possit:”  as  in  Terence,  “ eo  tibi  videtur  foedus,  quia 
vestem  illam  non  habet.”  Bent. 

1 The  Jews  began  their  year  the  first  of  September,  and  celebrated 
their  paschal  festival  the  fifteenth  of  April,  in  the  thirtieth  week,  from 
whence  Horace  calls  it  “ tricesima  sabbata.”  It  continued  eight  days,  of 
which  the  two  first  and  two  last  were  observed  with  so  much  solemnity, 
that  it  was  not  permitted  even  to  talk  of  business.  Augustus,  in  imita- 
tion of  Julius  Caesar,  allowed  the  Jews  uncommon  privileges. 

2 When  a man  had  given  bail  in  a court  of  justice,  if  he  neglected  the 
time  of  appearance,  he  might  be  taken  by  force  before  the  praetor.  But 
the  person  who  would  arrest  him  was  obliged,  before  he  used  him  with 
violence,  to  have  a witness  of  his  capture,  antestari.  This,  however,  could 
not  be  done  without  the  consent  of  the  witnesses ; he,  therefore,  willingly 
offered  the  captor  his  ear  to  touch,  who  was  liable,  if  these  forms  were 
not  observed,  to  an  action,  injuriarum  actionem.  But  thieves  and  people 
of  infamous  characters  were  not  treated  with  so  much  formality.  When 
a fellow  in  Plautus  cries  out,  “ Will  you  not  call  a witness  before  you 
seize  me,  nonne  antestaris?”  he  is  answered,  “ What,  shall  I touch  an 
honest  man’s  ear  for  such  a scoundrel  as  you  are  ?”  Pliny  tells  us,  the 
lowest  part  of  the  ear  is  the  seat  of  memory,  from  whence  came>  this 
form  of  their  laws.  Fran. 


8* 


178 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


I assent.3  He  hurries  him  into  court : there  is  a great  cla- 
mor on  both  sides,  a mob  from  all  parts.  Thus  Apollo  pre- 
served me.4 


SATIRE  X.5 

He  supports  the  judgment  which  he  had  before  given  of  Lucilius,  and  inter- 
sperses some  excellent  precepts  for  the  writing  of  Satire. 

To  be  sure  I did  say,  that  the  verses  of  Lucilius  did  not  run 
smoothly.  Who  is  so  foolish  an  admirer  of  Lucilius,  that  he 
would  not  own  this  ? But  the  same  writer  is  applauded  in 
the  same  Satire,6  on  account  of  his  having  lashed  the  town  with 
great  humor.  Nevertheless  granting  him  this,  I will  not 
therefore  give  up  the  other  [considerations]  ; for  at  that  rate 
I might  even  admire  the  farces  of  Laberius,7  as  fine  poems. 
Hence  it  is  by  no  means  sufficient  to  make  an  auditor  grin 
with  laughter  : and  yet  there  is  some  degree  of  merit  even  in 
this.  There  is  need  of  conciseness  that  the  sentence  may  run, 
and  not  embarrass  itself  with  verbiage,  that  overloads  the 
sated  ear ; and  sometimes  a grave,  frequently  jocose  style  is 

3 Oppono  auriculam.  Such  was  the  law  term,  which  our  poet  ver f 
willingly  pronounced,  to  signify  the  consent  of  the  witness. 

4 Horace  ascribes  his  rescue  from  the  intruder  to  Apollo,  as  the  patron 
of  poets.  Perhaps  he  alludes  to  the  statue  of  that  god,  which  was  in  the 
forum,  where  the  courts  were  held,  and  as  it  was  a law  proceeding  that 
saved  him  from  the  garrulus , he  ascribes  his  preservation  to  the  god,  that 
from  his  vicinity  to  the  courts,  was  called  juris  peritus.  Juven.  i.  113. 
Orellius  considers  reference  to  be  made  to  Apollo,  dhe^tudKog,  or  uno- 
Tponaiog,  and  that  the  passage  is  founded  on  11.  T.  443  ; rdv  c^rjp'Ka^ev 
’A7t6AXcj.  M‘Caul. 

5 Lucilius  had  his  numerous  admirers  in  Rome,  who  were  greatly 
disobliged  by  the  freedom  with  which  onr  poet  had  treated  him  in  his 
fourth  Satire.  Horace  was  determined  to  support  his  own  judgment, 
and  instead  of  making  an  apology,  confirms  what  he  had  said,  with  his 
utmost  force  and  address.  Ed.  Dublin.  Respecting  the  eight  spurious 
verses  usually  prefixed  to  this  satire,  see  Orelli’s  Excursus. 

e Cf.  Sat.  4. 

7 Mimi  were  farces  written  purely  for  diversion  and  laughing.  De- 
cimus  Laberius  was  made  a Roman  knight  by  Julius  Cassar.  He  had 
long  maintained  the  first  character  in  this  kind  of  writing,  but  Publius 
Syrus  at  last  became  his  rival,  and  carried  off  all  the  applause  of  the 
theater.  Fran, 


SAT.  X, 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


179 


necessary,  supporting  the  character  one  while  of  the  orator, 
and  [at  another]  of  the  poet,  now  and  then  that  of  a graceful 
rallier  that  curbs  the  force  of  his  pleasantry  and  weakens  it  on 
purpose.  For  ridicule  often  decides  matters  of  importance 
more  effectually  and  in  a better  manner,  than  severity.  Those 
poets  by  whom  the  ancient  comedy  was  written,  stood  upon 
this  [foundation],  and  in  this  are  they  worthy  of  imitation  : 
whom  neither  the  smooth-faced  Hermogenes  ever  read,  nor 
that  baboon  who  is  skilled  in  nothing  but  singing  [the  wanton 
compositions  of]  Calvus  and  Catullus. 

But  [Lucilius,  say  they,]  did  a great  thing,  when  he  inter- 
mixed Greek  words  with  Latin.  0 late-learned  dunces ! 
What ! do  you  think  that  arduous  and  admirable,  which  was 
done  by  Pitholeo  the  Rhodian  ? But  [still  they  cry]  the  style 
elegantly  composed  of  both  tongues  is  the  more  pleasant,  as 
if  Falernian  wine  is  mixed  with  Chian.  When  you  make  verses, 
I ask  you  this  question ; were  you  to  undertake  the  difficult 
cause  of  the  accused  Petillius,  would  you  (for  instance),  for- 
getful of  your  country  and  your  father,  while  Pedius,8  Popli- 
cola,  and  Corvinus9  sweat  through  their  causes  in  Latin, 
choose  to  intermix  words  borrowed  from  abroad,  like  the 
double-tongued  Canusinian.10  And  as  for  myself,  who  was 
born  on  this  side  the  water,  when  I was  about  making  Greek 
verses  ; Romulus  appearing  to  me  after  midnight,  when  dreams 
are  true,  forbade  me  in  words  to  this  effect ; “ You  could  not 
be  guilty  of  more  madness  by  carrying  timber  into  a wood, 
than  by  desiring  to  throng  in  among  the  great  crowds  of 
Grecian  writers.” 

While  bombastical  Alpinus11  murders  Memnon,  and  while 

8 Pedius.  This  is,  without  doubt,  the  son  of  that  Q.  Pedius  whom 
Julius  Caesar  made  heir  to  the  fourth  part  of  his  estate,  and  who  was 
chosen  consul  with  Octavius,  in  room  of  Hirtius  and  Pansa.  Watson. 

9 Corvinus.  V.  Messala  Corvinus,  no  less  distinguished  by  his  elo- 
quence than  by  his  noble  birth.  He  was  descended  from  the  famed  Va^ 
lerius  Poplicola.  Watson. 

10  Canusium  was  built  by  Diomede.  Its  inhabitants,  originally  Greeks, 
had  preserved  many  words  of  their  first  language,  which  being  mixed 
with  Latin,  made  a ridiculous,  disagreeable  jargon.  Yirgil  for  the  same 
reason,  calls  the  Tyrians,  “ Tyriosque  bilingues.”  Fran. 

11  Alpinus.  The  most  probable  conjectures  induce  us  to  believe,  that 
Horace  means  Furius  Bibaculus,  a poet  of  some  reputation,  and  not  with- 
out merit.  He  describes  him  in  another  Satire  “ pingui  tentus  omaso,” 
and  here  he  calls  him  “ turgidus,”  not  only  from  the  fatness  of  his  per- 


180 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


he  deforms  the  muddy  source  of  the  Rhine,  I amuse  myself 
with  these  satires;  which  can  neither  be  recited  in  the  temple la 
[of  Apollo],  as  contesting  for  the  prize  when  Tarpa  presides 
as  judge,  nor  can  have  a run  over  and  over  again  represented 
in  the  theaters.  You,  O Fundanius,13  of  all  men  breathing, 
are  the  most  capable  of  prattling  tales  in  a comic  vein,  how 
an  artful  courtesan  and  a Davus  impose  upon  an  old  Chremes  : 
Pollio  sings  the  actions  of  kings  in  iambic14  measure ; the 
sublime  Varius  composes  the  manly  epic,  in  a manner  that  no 
one  can  equal : to  Virgil  the  Muses,  delighting  in  rural  scenes, 
have  granted  the  delicate  and  the  elegant.  It  was  this  kind 
[of  satiric  writing],  the  Aticinian  Yarro  and  some  others  hav- 
ing attempted  it  without  success,  in  which  1 may  have  some 
slight  merit,  inferior  to  the  inventor : nor  would  I presume 
to  pull  off  the  [laurel]  crown  placed  upon  his  brow  with 
great  applause. 

But  I said  that  he  flowed  muddily,  frequently  indeed  bear- 
ing along  more  things  which  ought  to  be  taken  away  than 
left.  Be  it  so  ; do  you,  who  are  a scholar,  find  no  fault  with 
any  thing  in  mighty  Homer,  I pray  ? Does  the  facetious  Lu- 
cilius  make  no  alterations  in  the  tragedies  of  Accius  ? Does 
not  he  ridicule  many  of  Ennius’  verses,  which  are  too  light  for 
the  gravity  [of  the  subject]  ? When  he  speaks  of  himself 
by  no  means  as  superior  to  what  he  blames.  What  should 
hinder  me  likewise,  when  I am  reading  the  works  of  Lucilius, 
from  inquiring  whether  it  be  his  [genius],  or  the  difficult 

son,  but  the  flatulency  of  his  style.  The  surname  of  Alpinus  marks  his 
being  born  among  the  Gauls,  who  lived  on  the  Alps ; or,  as  Dr.  Bentley 
pleasantly  understands  it,  from  a famous  line,  which  our  poet  laughs  at 
in  another  place : “ Jupiter  hibernas  cana  nive  conspuit  Alpes.”  “Ju- 
gulat  dum  Memnona”  is  a tone  and  style  of  bombast  in  the  true  spirit 
of  ridicule. 

12  Quce  nec  in  JEde  sonent.  The  commentator  tells  that  Augustus  ap- 
pointed five  judges,  of  whom  Metius  Tarpa  was  one,  to  distribute  poeti- 
cal prizes,  and  determine  what  plays  should  be  presented  on  the  stage. 
Yossius  believes  they  were  established  in  imitation  of  the  Sicilians  and 
Athenians.  Mr.  Dacier  thinks  they  were  continued  under  the  reign  of 
Domitian.  Ed.  Dubl. 

13  Fundanius.  He  is  known  only  by  this  elogium  of  Horace.  This 
passage  refers  to  the  Andria  of  Terence,  where  Chremes  is  deceived  by 
the  artifices  of  Davus.  Watson. 

14  Pede  ter  percusso.  The  tragic  Iambics  had  but  three  measures,  each 
measure  having  two  feet,  from  whence  they  were  sometimes  called 
senarii,  and  sometimes  trimetra . 


SAT.  X. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


181 


nature  of  his  subject,  that  will  not  suffer  his  verses  to  be  more 
finished,  and  to  run  more  smoothly  than  if  some  one,  thinking 
it  sufficient  to  conclude  a something  of  six  feet,  be  fond  of 
writing  two  hundred  verses  before  he  eats,  and  as  many  after 
supper  ? Such  was  the  genius  of  the  Tuscan  Cassius,  more 
impetuous  than  a rapid  river;  who,  as  it  is  reported,  was 
burned  [at  the  funeral  pile]  with  his  own  books15  and  papers. 
Let  it  be  allowed,  I say,  that  Lucilius  was  a humorous  and 
polite  writer ; that  he  was  also  more  correct  than  [Ennius], 
the  author16  of  a kind  of  poetry  [not  yet]  well  cultivated,  nor 
attempted  by  the  Greeks,  and  [more  correct  likewise]  than 
the  tribe  of  our  old  poets  : but  yet  he,  if  he  had  been  brought 
down  by  the  Fates  to  this  age  of  ours,  would  have  retrenched  a 
great  deal  from  his  writings  : he  would  have  pruned  off  every 
thing  that  transgressed  the  limits  of  perfection ; and,  in  the 
composition  of  verses,  would  often  have  scratched  his  head, 
and  bit  his  nails  to  the  quick. 

You  that  intend  to  write  what  is  worthy  to  be  read  more 
than  once,  blot  frequently : and  take  no  pains  to  make  the 
multitude  admire  you,  content  with  a few  [judicious]  read- 
ers. What,  would  you  be  such  a fool  as  to  be  ambitious  that 
your  verses  should  be  taught  in  petty  schools  ? That  is  not 
my  case.  It  is  enough  for  me,  that  the  knight  [Maecenas] 
applauds  : as  the  courageous  actress,  Arbuscula,  expressed  her- 
self, in  contempt  of  the  rest  of  the  audience,  when  she  was 
hissed  [by  the  populace].  What,  shall  that  grubworm  Pan- 
tilius17  have  any  effect  upon  me  ? Or  can  it  vex  me,  that 
Demetrius  carps  at  me  behind  my  back  ? or  because  the  trifler 
Fannius,  that  hanger-on  to  Hermogenes  Tigellius,  attempts 
to  hurt  me  ? May  Plotius  and  Yarius,  Maecenas  and  Virgil, 
Valgius  and  Octavius18  approve  these  Satires,  and  the  excellent 

15  The  funeral  piles  on  which  dead  bodies  were  burned  were  made  of 
wood.  Cassius  had  written  so  much,  that  Horace  sportively  gives  it  as 
a rumor,  that  his  books  formed  his  funeral  pile.  M‘Caul. 

16  There  is  a great  variation  in  the  interpretation  of  this  passage. 
They  may  be  found  collected  in  M ‘Caul’s  notes. 

17  Pantilius.  A buffoon,  and  a great  enemy  of  Horace,  whom  he  calls 
Cimex,  an  insect,  out  of  contempt.  Fannius  is  the  same  of  whom  he 
speaks  in  Satire  iv.  Watson. 

13  Octavius.  An  excellent  poet  and  historian.  The  Yisci  were  two 
brothers,  and  both  senators.  Bibulus  was  the  son  of  him  that  had  been 
consul  in  695,  and  Servius  the  son  of  Servius  Sulpicius,  who  corresponded 


182 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


Fuscus  likewise ; and  I could  wish  that  both  the  Visci  would 
join  in  their  commendations  : ambition  apart,  I may  mention 
you,  O Pollio  : you  also,  Messala,  together  with  your  brother  ; 
and  at  the  same  time,  you,  Bibulus  and  Servius  ; and  along 
with  these  you,  candid  Furnius ; many  others  whom,  though 
men  of  learning  and  my  friends,  I purposely  omit — to  whom 
I could  wish  these  Satires,  such  as  they  are,  may  give  satisfac- 
tion ; and  I should  be  chagrined,  if  they  pleased  in  a degree 
below  my  expectation.  You,  Demetrius,  and  you,  Tigellius, 
I bid  lament  among  the  forms  of  your  female  pupils. 

Go,  boy,  and  instantly  annex  this  Satire  to  the  end  of  my 
book. 

with  Cicero.  Furnius  was  consul  in  the  year  131,  and  equally  master 
of  the  pen  and  the  sword. 


THE  SECOND  BOOK 

OF  THE 

SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


SATtKE  I. 

He  supposes  himself  to  consult  with  Trebatius,  whether  he  should  desist 
from  writing  satires , or  not. 

There  are  some  persons  to  whom  I seem  too  severe  in  [the 
writing  of]  satire,  and  to  carry  it  beyond  proper  bounds:1 
another  set  are  of  opinion,  that  all  I have  written  is  nerveless, 
and  that  a thousand  verses  like  mine  may  be  spun  out  in  a 
day.  Trebatius,2  give  me  your  advice,  what  I shall  do.  Be 
quiet.  I should  not  make,  you  say,  verses  at  all.  I do  say 
so.  May  I be  hanged,  if  that  would  not  be  best : but  I can  not 
sleep.  Let  those,  who  want  sound  sleep,  anointed  swim  thrice 
across  the  Tiber : and  have  their  clay  well  moistened  with 
wine  over-night.  Or,  if  such  a great  love  of  scribbling  hur- 
ries you  on,  venture  to  celebrate  the  achievements  of  the  in- 
vincible Caesar,  certain  of  bearing  off  ample  rewards  for  your 
pains. 

Desirous  I am,  my  good  father,  [to  do  this,]  but  my  strength 
fails  me,  nor  can  any  one  describe  the  troops  bristled  with 
spears,  nor  the  Gauls3  dying  on  their  shivered  darts,  nor  the 

1 Ultra  legem.  The  laws  of  the  twelve  tables  punished  these  poetical 
slanderers  with  death  ; but  they  were  grown  obsolete,  and  had  lost  great 
part  of  their  vigor,  when  they  were  renewed  by  Augustus.  Dac. 

2 Trebatius.  This  is  C.  Trebatius  Testa,  the  most  celebrated  lawyer 
of  that  age,  as  is  evident  from  the  letters  which  Cicero  wrote  to  him. 
He  was  greatly  in  favor  both  with  Julius  Caesar  and  Augustus.  As  he 
accompanied  the  first  in  his  wars  in  Gaul,  thirty  years  before  this  Satire 
was  written,  he  must,  by  this  time,  have  been  of  an  advanced  age. 
Horace  applies  to  him  as  one  of  great  authority,  on  account  of  his  age 
and  skill  in  the  law.  He  was  further  a good  judge  of  raillery,  and  had 
often  used  it  with  delicacy  and  success.  Watson. 

3 The  Gauls  of  Aquitain  having  rebelled  726,  Octavius  sent  Messala, 


184 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


wounded  Parthian  falling  from  his  horse.  Nevertheless  you 
may  describe  him  just  and  brave,  as  the  wise  Lucilius  did 
Scipio.  I will  not  be  wanting  to  myself,  when  an  opportunity 
presents  itself:  no  verses  of  Horace’s,  unless  well-timed,  will 
gain  the  attention  of  Caesar ; whom,  [like  a generous  steed,] 
if  you  stroke  awkwardly,  he  will  kick  back  upon  you,  being 
at  all  quarters  on  his  guard.  How  much  better  would  this 
be,  than  to  wound  with  severe  satire  Pantolabus  the  buffoon, 
and  the  rake  Nomentanus ! when  every  body  is  afraid  for 
himself,  [lest  he  should  be  the  next,]  and  hates  you,  though 
he  is  not  meddled  with.  What  shall  I do  ? Milonius  falls  a 
dancing  the  moment  he  becomes  light-headed  and  warm,  and 
the  candles  appear  multiplied.  Castor  delights  in  horseman- 
ship : and  he,  who  sprang  from  the  same  egg,  in  boxing.  As 
many  thousands  of  people  [as  there  are  in  the  world],  so 
many  different  inclinations  are  there.  It  delights  me  to  com- 
bine words  in  meter,  after  the  manner  of  Lucilius,  a better 
man  than  both  of  us.4  He  long  ago  communicated  his  secrets 
to  his  books,  as  to  faithful  friends : never  having  recourse 
elsewhere,  whether  things  went  well  or  ill  with  him  : whence 
it  happens,  that  the  whole  life  of  this  old  [poet]  is  as  open  to 
the  view,  as  if  it  had  been  painted  on  a votive  tablet.  His 
example  I follow,  though  in  doubt  whether  I am  a Lucanian 
or  an  Apulian ; for  the  Venusinian  farmers  plow  upon  the 
boundaries  of  both  countries,  who  (as  the  ancient  tradition  has 
it)  were  sent,  on  the  expulsion  of  the  Samnites,  for  this  pur- 
pose, that  the  enemy  might  not  make  incursions  on  the  Ro- 
mans, through  a vacant  [unguarded  frontier]  : or  lest  the 
Apulian  nation,  or  the  fierce  Lucanian,  should  make  an  inva- 
sion. But  this  pen  of  mine  shall  not  willfully  attack  any  man 
breathing,  and  shall  defend  me  like  a sword  that  is  sheathed 
in  the  scabbard : which  why  should  I attempt  to  draw,  [while 
I am]  safe  from  hostile  villains  ? O Jupiter,  father  and  sove- 
reign, may  my  weapon  laid  aside  wear  away  with  rust,  and 
may  no  one  injure  me,  who  am  desirous  of  peace  ? But  that 

with  the  title  of  governor  of  the  province,  to  reduce  them  to  his  obedi- 
ence. He  conquered  them  in  the  year  following,  and  had  the  honor  of 
a triumph  the  25th  of  September.  San. 

4 When  the  Romans  mentioned  a man  of  great  reputation,  and  whose 
example  had  a sort  of  authority,  their  usual  expression  in  conversation, 
was,  Who  is  far  better , and  more  valuable  than  you  or  me.  Rutgers. 


SAT.  I. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


185 


man  who  shall  provoke  me  (I  give  notice,  that  it  is  better  not 
to  touch  me)  shall  weep  [his  folly],  and  as  a notorious  charac- 
ter shall  be  sung  through  all  the  streets  of  Rome. 

Cervius,5  when  he  is  offended,  threatens  one  with  the  laws 
and  the  [judiciary]  urn  ; Canidia,  Albutius’  poison  to  those  with 
whom  she  is  at  enmity ; Turius  [threatens]  great  damages, 
if  you  contest  any  thing  while  he  is  judge.  How  every 
animal6  terrifies  those  whom  he  suspects,  with  that  in  which 
he  is  most  powerful,  and  how  strong  natural  instinct  com- 
mands this,  thus  infer  with  me. — The  wolf  attacks  with  his  teeth, 
the  bull  with  his  horns.  From  what  principle  is  this,  if  not 
a suggestion  from  within?  Intrust  that  debauchee  Scseva 
with  the  custody  of  his  ancient  mother  ; his  pious  hand  will 
commit  no  outrage.  A wonder  indeed ! just  as  the  wolf  does 
not  attack  any  one  with  his  hoof,  nor  the  bull  with  his  teeth ; 
but  the  deadly  hemlock  in  the  poisoned  honey  will  take  off  the 
old  dame. 

That  I may  not  be  tedious,  whether  a placid  old  age  awaits 
me,  or  whether  death  now  hovers  about  me  with  his  sable 
wings ; rich  or  poor,  at  Rome  or  (if  fortune  should  so  order 
it)  an  exile  abroad ; whatever  be  the  complexion  of  my  life,  I 
will  write.  O my  child,  I fear  you  can  not  be  long-lived  ; and 
that  some  creature  of  the  great  ones  will  strike  you  with  the 
cold  of  death.7  What  ? when  Lucilius  had  the  courage  to  be 
the  first  in  composing  verses  after  this  manner,  and  to  pull 

5 A criminal  was  acquitted  or  condemned  by  the  number  of  votes, 
which  the  judges  threw  into  a judiciary  urn.  Yirgil  tells  us  this  custom 
was  observed  among  the  dead,  “qusesitor  Minos  urnam  movet.”  Torr. 

6 Horace’s  weapon  is  satire.  This  he  will  use  against  his  enemies, 
just  as  everyone,  quo  valet , suspectos  terret , and  according  to  the  dictates 
of  nature,  which  prompt  her  creatures  to  make  use  of  the  arms  which  she 
has  given  them,  i.  e.  ne  longum  faciarn , he  will  write.  Ed.  Dubl. 

Mirum , etc.  Ironically  said,  for  it  is  not  mirum  ut  neque  calce  lupus 
quenquam  neque  dente  petal  bos , for  dente  lupus , cornu  taurus  petit. 
Horace  means  that  Scmva’s  not  polluting  his  right  hand  with  the  blood 
of  his  mother  is  no  more  wonderful  than  that  a wolf  does  not  attack  a 
person  caZce,  or  an  ox,  dente.  Bentley’s  conjecture  mirum  si  is  specious. 
Similarly  we  have  Terent.  Andr.  iv.  4,  16;  Mirum  vero , impudentur 
mulier  si  facit  meretrix.  M'Caul. 

7 i.  e.  “lest  some  one  of  your  powerful  friends  conceive  a coldness 
toward  you,  and  deprive  you  of  his  friendship.”  So  Persius  i.  107,  “ Sed 
quid  opus  teneras  mordaci  radere  vero  Auriculas  ? Yide  sis  ne  majorum 
tibi  forte  Limina  et  rigescunt.”  Orelli. 


186 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


off  that  mask,8  by  means  of  which  each  man  strutted  in  public 
view  with  a fair  outside,  though  foul  within;  was  Laelius, 
and  he  who  derived  a well-deserved  title  from  the  destruction 
of  Carthage,  offended  at  his  wit,  or  were  they  hurt  at  Metel- 
lus  being  lashed,  or  Lupus  covered  over  with  his  lampoons? 
But  he  took  to  task  the  heads  of  the  people,  and  the  people 
themselves,  class  by  class  ;9  in  short,  he  spared  none  but 
virtue  and  her  friends.  Yet,  when  the  valorous  Scipio,  and 
the  mild  philosophical  Laelius,  had  withdrawn  themselves 
from  the  crowd  and  the  public  scene,  they  used  to  divert 
themselves  w7ith  him,  and  joke  in  a free  manner,  while  a few 
vegetables  were  boiled  [for  supper].  Of  whatever  rank  I am, 
though  below  the  estate  and  wit  of  Lucilius,  yet  envy  must 
be  obliged  to  own  that  I have  lived  well  with  great  men  ; and, 
wanting  to  fasten  her  tooth  upon  some  weak  part,  will  strike 
it  against  the  solid:10  unless  you,  learned  Trebatius,  disap- 
prove of  any  thing  [I  have  said].  For  my  part,  I can  not 
make  any  objection  to  this.  But  however,  that  forewarned 
you  may  be  upon  your  guard,  lest  an  ignorance  of  our  sacred 
laws  should  bring  you  into  trouble,  [be  sure  of  this  :]  if  any 
person11  shall  make  scandalous  verses  against  a particular 
man,  an  action  lies,  and  a sentence.  Granted,  if  they  are 
scandalous : but  if  a man  composes  good  ones,  and  is  praised 
by  such  a judge  as  Caesar  ? If  a man  barks  only  at  him  who 
deserves  his  invectives,  while  he  himself  is  unblamable  ? 

8 Detrahere  pellem.  A figurative  expression  taken  from  the  stage. 
The  ancient  masks  were  of  skins.  Dac. 

9 The  great  men,  and  people  of  whatever  tribe.  It  is  plain  from  what 
remains  to  us  of  Lucilius,  that  he  did  not  spare  the  great.  Besides  Me- 
tellus  and  Lupus  already  mentioned,  he  attacked  also  Mutius  Scsevola, 
Titus  Albutius,  Torquatus,  Marcus  Carbo,  Lucius  Tubulus,  Publius 
Gallonius,  Caius  Cassius,  Lucius  Cotta,  Clodius  Asellus,  Quintus  Opi- 
mius,  Nomentanus,  Caius  Cecilius  Index,  Trebellius,  Publius  Pavus 
Tuditanus.  And  not  satisfied  with  this,  he  run  through  all  the  thirty- 
five  tribes,  one  after  another.  Watson. 

10  In  allusion  to  the  fable  of  the  serpent  and  the  file. 

11  Si  mala  condiderit.  Trebatius  with  much  solemnity  cites  the  laws 
of  the  twelve  tables  as  his  last  argument.  A lawyer  could  produce 
nothing  more  strong,  and  Horace  being  unable  to  defend  himself  by  a 
direct  answer,  finds  a way  of  getting  out  of  the  difficulty  by  playing  on 
the  words  malum  carmen , and  giving  them  a different  sense  from  what 
they  had  in  th6  text  of  the  law.  Ed.  Dubl. 


SAT.  IL 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


187 


The  process  will  bo  canceled12  with  laughter : and  you,  being 
dismissed,  may  depart  in  peace. 


SATIRE  IL 
On  Frugality, 

What  and  how  great  is  the  virtue  to  live  on  a little  (this  is 
no  doctrine  of  mine,  but  what  Ofellus  the  peasant,  a philoso- 
pher without  rules13  and  of  a home-spun14  wit,  taught  me), 
learn,  my  good  friends,  not  among  dishes  and  splendid  tables ; 
when  the  eye  is  dazzled  with  the  vain  glare,  and  the  mind, 
intent  upon  false  appearances,  refuses  [to  admit]  better  things ; 
but  here,  before  dinner,  discuss  this  point  with  me.  Why  so  ? 
I will  inform  you,  if  I can.  Every  corrupted  judge  examines 
b^Klly  the  truth.  After  hunting  the  hare,  or  being  wearied 
by  an  unruly  horse,  or  (if  the  Roman  exercise  fatigues  you, 
accustomed  to  act  the  Greek)  whether  the  swift  ball,  while 
eagerness  softens  and  prevents  your  perceiving  the  severity 
of  the  game,  or  quoits  (smite  the  yielding  air  with  the  quoit) 
when  exercise  has  worked  off  squeamish  ness,  dry  and  hungry, 
[then  let  me  see  you]  despise  mean  viands ; and  don’t  drink 
any  thing  but  Hymettian  honey  qualified15  with  Falernian 

12  Tabulce  are  the  process  and  information  laid  before  the  judge,  which, 
says  the  poet,  shall  be  torn  in  pieces.  Dacier  observes,  that  this  line  is 
an  imitation  of  Aristophanes,  where  a father  dissuades  his  son  from  an 
excess  of  wine,  by  representing  to  him  a thousand  disorders  which  it 
occasions;  quarreling,  breaking  houses  open.  No,  says  the  son,  this 
never  happens  when  we  converse  with  men  of  honor ; for  either  they 
will  satisfy  the  people  whom  they  have  offended,  or  turn  the  affair  into 
ridicule,  and  by  some  happy  jest  make  the  judges,  and  even  the  prosecu- 
tors, laugh.  The  process  is  dismissed,  and  you  escape  without  being 
punished.  Ed.  Dubl. 

13  Abnormis.  “ A philosopher  without  rules.”  Ofellus  was  an  Epi- 
curean without  knowing  it,  but  his  morality  was  in  a medium  between 
the  very  rigid  and  very  dissolute  followers  of  that  sect.  Dac. 

14  Minerva  presides  over  spinning,  hence  this  proverbial  expression 
for  “ of  a thick  thread,”  i.  e.  of  a coarse  texture.  This  Cic.  Ep.  Fam. 
ix.  12,  Crasso  fib.  M‘Caul. 

15  Diluta.  This  mixture  was  called  mulsum , mead.  Ofella  says: 
Don’t  drink  any  thing  but  mead  made  of  the  best  honey  and  the  best 


188 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


wine.  Your  butler  is  abroad,  and  the  tempestuous  sea  pre- 
serves the  fish  by  its  wintery  storms : bread  and  salt  will  suffi- 
ciently appease  an  importunate  stomach.  Whence  do  you 
think  this  happens  ? and  how  is  it  obtained  ? The  consummate 
pleasure  is  not  in  the  costly  flavor,  but  in  yourself.  Do  you 
seek  for  sauce  by  sweating.  Neither  oysters,  nor  scar,  nor  the 
far-fetched  lagois,16  can  give  any  pleasure  to  one  bloated  and 
pale  through  intemperance.  Nevertheless,  if  a peacock17  were 
served  up,  I should  hardly  be  able  to  prevent  your  gratifying 
the  palate  with  that,  rather  than  a pullet,  since  you  are 
.prejudiced  by  the  vanities  of  things ; because  the  scarce  bird 
is  bought  with  gold,  and  displays  a fine  sight  with  its  painted 
tail : as  if  that  were  any  thing  to  the  purpose.  What,  do  you 
eat  that  plumage,  which  you  extol  ? or  has  the  bird  the  same 
beauty  when  dressed  ? Since  however  there  is  no  difference  in 
the  meat,  in  one  preferably  to  the  other ; it  is  manifest  that 
you  are  imposed  upon  by  the  disparity  of  their  appearances. 
Be  it  sc. 

By  what  gift  are  you  able  to  distinguish,  whether  this  lupus, 
that  now  opens  its  jaws  before  us,  was  taken  in  the  Tiber, 
or  in  the  sea  ? whether  it  was  tossed  between  the  bridges,  or 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Tuscan  river  ? Fool,  you  praise  a mullet, 
that  weighs  three  pounds ; which  you  are  obliged  to  cut  into 
small  pieces.  Outward  appearances  lead  you,  I see.  To 
what  intent  then  do  you  contemn  large  lupuses?  Because 
truly  these  are  by  nature  bulky,  and  those  very  light.  A hun- 

wine.  Diluere  is  applied  to  those  things  which  are  melted  by  the  addi- 
tion of  fluid.  Thus  Yirg.  Geor.  i.  341, 

Cui  tu  lacte  favos  et  miti  dilue  Baccho. 

And  Sat.  ii.  3,  214, 

aceto 

Diluit  insignem  baccam.  M‘Caul. 

16  Lagois.  We  do  not  find  this  word  in  any  other  author.  It  was 
probably  a foreign  bird,  whose  flesh  tasted  and  looked  like  that  of  a 
hare ; a favorite  dish  among  the  Romans.  Ostrea  is  of  two  syllables, 
as  in  Virgil,  “Bis  patriae  cecidere  manus:  quin  protenus  omnia.’, 

Quintus  Hortensius  was  the  first  who  gave  the  Romans  a taste  for 
peacocks,  and  it  soon  became  so  fashionable  a dish,  that  all  the  people  of 
fortune  had  it  at  their  tables.  Cicero  very  pleasantly  says,  he  had  the 
boldness  to  invite  Hirtius  to  sup  with  him,  even  without  a peacock. 
“Sed  vide  audaciam,  etiam  Hirtio  coenam  dedi  sine  pavone.”  M. 
Aufidius  Latro  made  a prodigious  fortune  by  fattening  them  for  sale. 
Ed.  Dubl. 


SAT.  II. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE 


18!> 


gry  stomach  seldom  loathes  common  victuals.  O that  I could 
see  a swingeing  mullet  extended  on  a swingeing  dish ! cries 
that  gullet,  which  is  fit  for  the  voracious  harpies  themselves. 
But  O [say  I]  ye  southern  blasts,  be  present  to  taint  the  delica- 
cies of  the  [gluttons]  : though  the  boar  and  turbot  newly  taken 
are  rank,  when  surfeiting  abundance  provokes  the  sick 
stomach ; and  when  the  sated  guttler  prefers  turnips  and 
sharp  elecampane.  However,  all  [appearance  of]  poverty  is 
not  quite  banished  from  the  banquets  of  our  nobles ; for  there 
is,  even  at  this  day,  a place  for  paltry  eggs  and  black  olives.18 
And  it  was  not  long  ago,  since  the  table  of  Gallonius,  the  auc- 
tioneer, was  rendered  infamous,  by  having  a sturgeon  [served 
up  whole  upon  it].  What  ? was  the  sea  at  that  time  less  nu- 
tritive of  turbots?19  The  turbot  was  secure  and  the  stoik 
unmolested  in  her  nest;  till  the  praetorian  [Semprofiius],  tie 
inventor,20  first  taught  you  [to  eat  them].  Therefore,  if  any 
one  were  to  give  it  out  that  roasted  cormorants  are  delicious, 
the  Roman  youth,  teachable  in  depravity,  would  acquiesce 
in  it. 

In  the  judgment  of  Ofellus,  a sordid  way  of  living  will  differ 
widely  from  frugal  simplicity.  For  it  is  to  no  purpose  for 
you  to  shun  that  vice  [of  luxury]  ; if  you  perversely  fly  to 
the  contrary  extreme.  Avidienus,  to  whom  the  nickname  of 
Dog  is  applied  with  propriety,  eats  olives  of  five  years  old, 
and  wild  cornels,  and  can  not  bear  to  rack  off  his  wine  unless 
it  be  turned  sour,  and  the  smell  of  his  oil  you  can  not  endure  : 
which  (though  clothed  in  white  he  celebrates  the  wedding 

18  Olives,  intended  for  the  table,  were  gathered  when  they  began  to 
ripen  and  turn  black.  Cruq. 

19  The  fanciful,  fashionable  taste  is  but  of  short  continuance ; that  of 
nature  is  unalterable.  You  are  now  as  fond  of  turbot  as  Gallonius  was  of 
sturgeon.  But  were  there  no  turbots  in  his  time  ? Certainly  there  were  ; 
but  no  coxcomb  had  made  them  fashionable,  and  the  praetor  decided  in 
favor  of  sturgeon.  Another  glutton  brought  turbots  and  storks  into 
vogue,  and  perhaps  we  only  wait  for  a third  man  of  taste  to  assure  us, 
that  a roasted  cormorant  is  infinitely  more  delicious  than  sturgeons,  tur- 
bots, or  storks.  Dac. 

20  The  storks  built  their  nests  in  safety  until  the  time  of  Augustus,  when 
your  praetor  taught  you  to  eat  them.  Asinius  Sempronius,  or,  according 
to  others,  Rutilius  Rufus,  when  candidate  for  the  praetorship,  entertained 
the  people  with  a dish  of  storks.  But  the  people,  according  to  an  ancient 
epigram,  revenged  the  death  of  the  poor  birds  by  refusing  the  praetorship 
to’  their  murderer.  From  this  refusal  the  poet  pleasantly  calls  him  prae* 
tor.  Torr 


190 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


festival,21  his  birth-day,  or  any  other  festal  days)  he  pours  out 
himself  by  little  and  little  from  a horn  cruet,  that  holds  two 
pounds,  upon  his  cabbage,  [but  at  the  same  time]  is  lavish 
enough  of  his  old  vinegar. 

What  manner  of  living  therefore  shall  the  wise  man  put  in 
practice,  and  which  of  these  examples  shall  he  copy  ? On  one 
side  the  wolf  presses  on,  and  the  dog  on  the  other,  as  the  saying 
is.  A person  will  be  accounted  decent,  if  he  offends  not  by 
sordidness,  and  is  not  despicable  through  either  extreme  of  con- 
duct. Such  a man  will  not,  after  the  example  of  old  Albutius, 
be  savage  while  he  assigns  to  his  servants  their  respective 
offices ; nor,  like  simple  Sfaevius,  will  he  offer  greasy  water  to 
his  company  : for  this  too  is  a great  fault. 

Now  learn  what  and  how  great  benefits  a temperate  diet 
will  bring  along  with  it.  In  the  first  place,  you  will  enjoy 
good  health ; for  you  may  believe  how  detrimental  a diversity 
of  things  is  to  any  man,  when  you  recollect  that  sort  of  food, 
which  by  its  simplicity  sat  so  well  upon  your  stomach  some 
time  ago.  But,  when  you  have  once  mixed  boiled  and  roast 
together,  thrushes  and  shell-fish ; the  sweet  juices  will  turn 
into  bile,  and  the  thick  phlegm  will  bring  a jarring  upon  the 
stomach.  Do  not  you  see,  how  pale  each  guest  rises  from  a 
perplexing  variety  of  dishes  at  an  entertainment.  Beside 
this,  the  body,  overloaded  with  the  debauch  of  yesterday,  de- 
presses the  mind  along  with  it,  and  dashes  to  the  earth  that 
portion  of  the  divine  spirit.22  Another  man,  as  soon  as  he 
has  taken  a quick  repast,  and  rendered  up  his  limbs  to  re- 
pose, rises  vigorous  to  the  duties  of  his  calling.  However, 
he  may  sometimes  have  recourse  to  better  cheer ; whether  the 
returning  year  shall  bring  on  a festival,  or  if  he  have  a mind 

21  Repotia  was  a festival  the  day  after  the  nuptials,  when  they  drank 
and  ate  whatever  remained  of  yesterday’s  entertainment,  quia  iterumpo - 
taretur.  The  construction  is  remarkable,  alios  dierum  festos,  for  alios  qui 
ex  diebus  festi  sunt.  Albatus , white  was  usually  the  color  of  the  Roman 
robe  even  at  funeral  feasts.  Ipse,  is  a circumstance  that  strongly  marks 
the  avarice  of  Avidienus.  Afraid  that  his  guests  or  his  servants  should 
be  too  profuse  of  his  oil,  he  pours  it  himself.  The  poet  tells  us,  his  bot- 
tle was  of  two  pounds  weight,  as  if  it  were  his  whole  store,  although  he 
was  extremely  rich ; and  the  vessel  was  of  horn,  that  it  might  last  a long 
time.  All  these  particulars  are  in  character.  Tore.  San. 

22  Divince  particulam  aurce.  To  raise  the  nobleness  of  the  mind,  Horace 
has  borrowed  the  language  of  Plato,  who  says,  that  it  is  a portion  of  the 
universal  soul  of  the  world,  that  is,  of  the  divinity  himself.  San. 


SAT.  II. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


191 


to  refresh  his  impaired  body ; and  when  years  shall  approach, 
and  feeble  age  require  to  be  used  more  tenderly.  But  as  for 
you,  if  a troublesome  habit  of  body,  or  creeping  old  age, 
should  come  upon  you,  what  addition  can  be  made  to  that 
soft  indulgence,  which  you,  now  in  youth  and  in  health, 
anticipate  ? 

Our  ancestors  praised  a boar  when  it  was  stale:  not  be- 
cause they  had  no  noses ; but  with  this  view,  I suppose,  that 
a visitor  coming  later  than  ordinary  [might  partake  of  it], 
though  a little  musty,  rather  than  the  voracious  master  should 
devour  it  all  himself  while  sweet.  I wish  that  the  primitive 
earth  had  produced  me  among  such  heroes  as  these. 

Have  you  any  regard  for  reputation,  which  affects  the  hu- 
man ear  more  agreeably  than  music?  Great  turbots  and 
dishes  bring  great  disgrace  along  with  them,  together  with 
expense.  Add  to  this,  that  your  relations  and  neighbors 
will  be  exasperated  at  you,  while  you  will  be  at  enmity  with 
yourself  and  desirous  of  death  in  vain,  since  you  will  not  in 
your  poverty  have  three  farthings  left  to  purchase  a rope 
withal.  Trausius,  you  say,  may  with  justice  be  called  to 
account  in  such  language  as  this ; but  I possess  an  ample 
revenue,  and  wealth  sufficient  for  three  potentates.  Why 
then  have  you  no  better  method  of  expending  your  super- 
fluities? Why  is  any  man,  undeserving  [of  distressed  cir- 
cumstances], in  want,  while  you  abound  ? How  comes  it  to 
pass,  that  the  ancient  temples  of  the  gods  are  falling  to  ruin  ? 
Why  do  not  you,  wretch  that  you  are,  bestow  something  on 
your  dear  country,  out  of  so  vast  a hoard  ? What,  will  mat- 
ters always  go  well  with  you  alone  ? 0 thou,  that  hereafter 

shalt  be  the  great  derision  of  thine  enemies ! which  of  the 
two  shall  depend  upon  himself  in  exigences  with  most  cer- 
tainty ? He  who  has  used  his  mind  and  high-swollen  body 
to  redundancies ; or  he  who,  contented  with  a little  and  provi- 
dent for  the  future,  like  a wise  man  in  time  of  peace,  shall 
make  the  necessary  preparations  for  war  ? 

That  you  may  the  more  readily  give  credit  to  these  things : 
I myself,  when  a little  boy,  took  notice  that  this  Ofellus  did 
not  use  his  unencumbered  estate  more  profusely,  than  he  does 
now  it  is  reduced.  You  may  see  the  sturdy  husbandman 
laboring  for  hire  in  the  land  [once  his  own,  but  now]  as- 


192 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL 


signed  [to  others],23  with  his  cattle  and  children,  talking  to 
this  effect. ; I never  ventured  to  eat  any  thing  on  a work-day 
except  pot-herbs,  with  a hock  of  smoke-dried  bacon.  And 
when  a friend  came  to  visit  me  after  a long  absence,  or  a 
neighbor,  an  acceptable  guest  to  me  resting  from  work  on 
account  of  the  rain,  wre  lived  well ; not  on  fishes  fetched  from 
the  city,  but  on  a pullet  and  a kid : then  a dried  grape,  and 
a nut,  with  a large  fig,24  set  off  our  second  course.  After 
this,  it  was  our  diversion  to  have  no  other  regulation  in  our 
cups,  save  that  against  drinking  to  excess  :25  then  Ceres  wor- 
shiped [with  a libation],  that  the  corn  might  arise  in  lofty 
stems,  smoothed  with  wine  the  melancholy  of  the  contracted 
brow.  Let  fortune  rage,  and  stir  up  new  tumults : what  can 
she  do  more  to  impair  my  estate  ? How  much  more  savingly 
have  either  I lived,  or  how  much  less  neatly  have  you  gone, 
my  children,  since  this  new  possessor  came  ? For  nature  has 
appointed  to  be  lord  of  this  earthly  property,  neither  him,  nor 
me,  nor  any  one.  He  drove  us  out : either  iniquity  or  ignor- 
ance in  the  quirks  of  the  law  shall  [do  the  same  by]  him : 

23  Metato  in  agello.  Ofellus  was  involved  in  the  same  disgrace  and 
ruin  as  Yirgil,  Tibullus,  and  Propertius.  Their  estates  were  given  by 
Octavius  to  the  veterans  who  had  served  against  Brutus  and  Cassius  in 
the  battle  of  Philippi.  That  of  Ofellus  was  given  to  Umbrenus,  who 
hired  its  former  master  to  till  the  ground  for  him,  mercede  colonum.  As 
each  soldier  had  a certain  number  of  acres,  the  land  was  measured,  me- 
tato agello,  before  it  was  divided.  Fran. 

24  Duplice,  a kind  of  large  fig,  called  Marisca.  Turneb.  B.  i.  e.  bi- 
fida. Sch.  Cruq.  D.  Figs  were  split  into  two  parts,  and  when  dried, 
served  up  mensis  secundis.  M‘Caul.  *The  last  is  proved  to  be  the  cor- 
rect interpretation  from  Pallad.  R.  R.  iv.  10,35:  “Subinde  ficus,  sicut 
est  divisa,  vertatur,  ut  ficorum  coria  siccentur  et  pulpse  tunc  duplicate 
in  cistellis  serventur  aut  loculis.”  Wheeler. 

25  It  was  customary  with  the  Romans  to  appoint  some  person  magister 
bibendi,  who  directed  the  number  of  cups  to  be  taken,  and  the  toasts, 
etc.  Ofella  says  there  was  no  such  person  appointed,  but  that  the  only 
president  that  they  had  at  their  table  was  culpa , i.  e.  “ excess.”  Each 
person  took  as  much  as  he  pleased,  restricted  only  by  the  feeling  that 
excess  was  culpable.  The  ancients  had  a ludus , which,  was  intended  to 
prevent  the  intoxication  that  might  arise  from  being  obliged  to  obey  the 
magister  bibendi  in  taking  the  number  of  cups  which  he  directed.  The 
person  who  (aliqud  in  re  peccdrat)  violated  any  of  the  convivial  laws  or 
customs,  was  punished  by  being  obliged  to  drink  a cupful,  poculo  multa- 
batur,  so  that  as  no  one  drank  but  those  who  committed  some  breach  of 
the  laws,  bibere  pcence  et  dedecoris  esset , non  invitationis  aut  magisterii. 
Thus  culpa  was  magistra  bibendi.  Turneb. 


SAT.  III. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


193 


certainly  in  the  end  his  long-lived  heir  shall  expel  him.  Now 
this  field  under  the  denomination  of  Umbrenus’,  lately  it  was 
OfelW,  the  perpetual  property  of  no  man ; for  it  turns  to  my 
use  one  while,  and  by  and  by  to  that  of  another.  Where- 
fore, live  undaunted ; and  oppose  gallant  breasts  against  the 
strokes  of  adversity. 


SATIRE  III. 

Damasippus , in  a conversation  with  Horace,  proves  this  paradox  of  the 
Stoic  philosophy,  that  most  men  are  actually  mad. 

You  write  so  seldom,  as  not  to  call  for  parchment  four  times 
in  the  year,  busied  in  reforming  your  writings,  yet  are  you 
angry  with  yourself,  that  indulging  in  wine  and  sleep  you  pro- 
duce nothing  worthy  to  be  the  subject  of  conversation.  What 
will  be  the  consequence  ? But  you  took  refuge  here,  it  seems, 
at  the  very  celebration  of  the  Saturnalia,  out  of  sobriety. 
Dictate  therefore  something  worthy  of  your  promises : begin. 
There  is  nothing.  The  pens  are  found  fault  with  to  no  pur- 
pose, and  the  harmless  wall,  which  must  have  been  built  un- 
der the  displeasure  of  gods  and  poets,  sutlers  [to  no  end]. 
But  you  had  the  look  of  one  that  threatened  many  and  excel- 
lent things,  when  once  your  villa  had  received  you,  free  from 
employment,  under  its  warm  roof.  To  what  purpose  was  it 
to  stow  Plato  upon  Menander  ? Eupojis,  Archilochus  ? For 
what  end  did  you  bring  abroad  such  companions  ? What  ? 
are  you  setting  about  appeasing  envy  by  deserting  virtue? 
Wretch,  you  will  be  despised.  That  guilty  Siren,  Sloth,  must 
be  avoided ; or  whatever  acquisitions  you  have  made  in  the 
better  part  of  your  life,  must  with  equanimity  be  given  up. 
May  the  gods  and  ’ goddesses,  O Damasippus,  present  you  with 
a barber  for  your  sound  advice ! But  by  what  means  did  you 
get  so  well  acquainted  with  me  ? Since  all  my  fortunes  were 
dissipated  at  the  middle  of  the  Exchange,20  detached  from  all 
business  of  my  own,  I mind  that  of  other  people.  For 

25  The  name  of  Janus  was  sometimes  given  to  those  great  arcades 
which  crossed  the  streets  of  Rome.  Livy  tells  us  there  were  three  of 
them  erected  in  the  forum,  the  middle  of  which  Horace  means,  and  which 
he  distinguishes  from  the  Janus  summus  and  Janus  imus.  Ed.  Dubl. 

9 


194 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


LOOK  II. 


formerly  I used  to  take  a delight  in  inquiring,  in  what  vase 
the  crafty  Sisyphus  might  have  washed  his  feet;  what  was 
carved  in  an  unworkmanlike  manner,  and  what  more  roughly 
cast  than  it  ought  to  be  ; being  a connoisseur,  I offered  a hun- 
dred thousand  sesterces  for  such  a statue  ; I was  the  only  man 
who  knew  how  to  purchase  gardens  and  fine  seats  to  the  best 
advantage : whence  the  crowded  ways  gave  me  the  surname 
of  Mercurial.27  I know  it  well ; and  am  amazed  at  your 
being  cured  of  that  disorder.  Why  a new  disorder  expelled 
the  old  one  in  a marvelous  manner ; as  it  is  accustomed  to 
do,  when  the  pain  of  the  afflicted  side,  or  the  head,  is  turned 
upon  the  stomach ; as  it  is  with  a man  in  a lethargy,  when  he 
turns  boxer,  and  attacks  his  physician.  As  long  as  you  do 
nothing  like  this,  be  it  even  as  you  please.  O my  good  friend, 
do  not  deceive  yourself;  you  likewise  are  mad,  and  it  is 
almost  “ fools  all,”28  if  what  Stertinius  insists  upon  has  any 
truth  in  it ; from  whom,  being  of  a teachable  disposition,  I 
derived  these  admirable  precepts,  at  the  very  time  when,  hav^ 
ing  given  me  consolation,  he  ordered  me  to  cultivate  a philo- 
sophical beard,  and  to  return  cheerfully  from  the  Fabrician 
bridge.  For  when,  my  affairs  being  desperate,  I had  a mind 
to  throw  myself  into  the  river,  having  covered  my  head29  [for 
that  purpose],  he  fortunately30  was  at  my  elbow ; and  [ad- 
dressed me  to  this  effect]  : Take  care,31  how  you  do  any  thing 

27  Mercuriale.  Damasippus,  ever  in  character,  boasts  of  a surname, 
which  was  given  him  in  raillery.  Mercury  was  the  god  of  commerce, 
and  when  a man  had  an  uncommon  skill  in  buying  and  selling,  he  was 
usually  called  Mercurialis , or  favorite  of  Mercury.  A number  of  mer- 
chants, in  259,  formed  themselves  into  a body  with  this  title,  and  dedi- 
cated a temple  to  the  god.  Ed.  Dubl. 

28  It  was  an  absurd  and  ridiculous  maxim  among  the  Stoics,  that  all 
vicious  people  were  equally  fools  and  madmen.  JPrope  does  not  therefore 
lessen  the  universality  of  the  proposition,  for  the  Latins  frequently  use 
prope  and  fere  for  semper.  In  the  next  line,  si  is  not  said  in  any  manner 
of  doubt,  but  has  the  force  of  an  affirmative.  Fran. 

29  They  who  devoted  themselves  to  death  for  the  good  of  their  coun- 
try, covered  their  heads  with  their  robe ; and  it  is  pleasant  enough  to 
see  Damasippus  doing  that,  in  an  excess  of  despair  and  folly,  which 
Decius  did  in  a transport  of  religion  and  generosity.  This  image  gives 
rise  to  the  raillery  of  Stertinius,  when  he  says,  “nil  verbi,  pereas  quin 
fortiter,  addam.”  San. 

30  Dexter. — Opportunus)  propitius.  The  right  was  by  the  ancients 
esteemed  the  lucky  side. 

31  Cave  faxis.  The  Stoics  despised  death  when  it  was  honorable  or  ne- 


SAT.  III. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


195 


unworthy  of  yourself ; a false  shame,  says  he,  afflicts  you,  who 
dread  to  be  esteemed  a madman  among  madmen.  For  in  the 
first  place  I will  inquire,  what  it  is  to  be  mad : and,  if  this 
distemper  be  in  you  exclusively,  I will  not  add  a single  word, 
to  prevent  you  from  dying  bravely. 

The  school  and  sect  of  Chrysippus32  deem  every  man  mad, 
whom  vicious  folly  or  the  ignorance  of  truth  drives  blindly 
forward.  This  definition  takes  in  whole  nations,  this  even 
great  kings,  the  wise  man  [alone]  excepted.  Now  learn,  why 
all  those,  who  have  fixed  the  name  of  madman  upon  you,  are 
as  senseless  as  yourself.  As  in  the  woods,  where  a mistake 
makes  people  wander  about  from  the  proper  path ; one  goes 
out  of  the  way  to  the  right,  another  to  the  left ; there  is  the 
same  blunder  on  both  sides,  only  the  illusion  is  in  different 
directions  : in  this  manner  imagine  yourself  mad ; so  that  he, 
who  derides  you,  hangs  his  tail33  not  one  jot  wiser  than  your- 
self. There  is  one  species  of  folly,  that  dreads  things  not  in 
the  least  formidable ; insomuch  that  it  will  complain  of  fires, 
and  rocks,  and  rivers  opposing  it  in  the  open  plain ; there  is 
another  different  from  this,  but  not  a whit  more  approaching 
to  wisdom,  that  runs  headlong  through  the  midst  of  flames 
and  floods.  Let  the  loving  mother,  the  virtuous  sister,  the  0 
father,  the  wife,  together  with  all  the  relations  [of  a man  pos- 
sessed with  this  latter  folly],  cry  out : “ Here  is  a deep  ditch  ; 
here  is  a prodigious  rock ; take  care  of  yourself he  would 
give  no  more  attention,  than  did  the  drunken  Fufius34  some 

cessary,  but  to  drown  himself  in  despair  was  a villainous  death  for  a phi- 
losopher. But  the  pleasantry  of  the  scene  is,  that  Stertinius  is  going  to 
convince  him  lie  is  a fool,  and  then  advises  him  not  to  do  any  thing 
which  may  dishonor  his  character.  San.  Dac. 

32  Chrysippi  porticus.  The  Porticus  was  a famous  gallery  at  Athens, 
where  Zeno  held  his  school,  which,  from  the  Greek  word  2roa,  Porticus, 
took  the  name  of  Stoic.  San. 

33  Caudam  trahat.  A metaphor,  as  the  old  commentator  well  observes, 
taken  from  a custom  among  children,  who  tied  a tail  behind  a person 
whom  they  had  a mind  to  laugh  at.  Fran. 

34  Fufius  was  an  actor  who,  playing  the  character  of  Ilione,  was  sup- 
posed to  be  asleep,  when  the  ghost  of  her  son  Polydore  called  to  her, 

“ Dear  mother,  hear  me.”  Fufius,  having  drunk  too  much,  fell  really 
asleep ; and  Catienus,  who  played  Polydore,  having  called  to  him,  with- 
out waking  him,  the  whole  house,  as  if  each  of  them  was  a Catienus, 
cried  out,  “Dear  mother,  hear  me,”  The  number  of  twfclve  hundred  i3 


lye 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


time  ago,  when  he  overslept  the  character  of  Ilione,  twelve 
hundred  Catieni  at  the  same  time  roarinof  out,  0 mother , I 
call  you  to  my  aid . I will  demonstrate  to  you,  that  the 
generality  of  all  mankind  are  mad  in  the  commission  of  some 
folly  similar  to  this. 

Damasippus  is  mad  for  purchasing  antique  statues : hut  is 
Damasippus’  creditor  in  his  senses?  Well,  suppose  I should 
say  to  you : receive  this,35  which  you  can  never  repay : will 
you  be  a madman,  if  you  receive  it ; or  would  you  be  more 
absurd  for  rejecting  a booty,  which  propitious  Mercury  offers  ? 
Take  bond,36  like  the  banker  Nerius,  for  ten  thousand  ses- 
terces; it  will  not  signify:  add  the  forms  of  Cicuta,37  so 
versed  in  the  knotty  points  of  law : add  a thousand  obliga- 
tions : yet  this  wicked  Proteus  will  evade  all  these  ties.  When 
you  shall  drag  him  to  justice,  laughing  as  if  his  cheeks  were 
none  of  his  own  ;38  he  will  be  transformed  into  a boar,  some- 
times into  a bird,  sometimes  into  a stone,  and  when  he  pleases 

a pleasant  exaggeration.  Accius  or  Pacuvius  wrote  a tragedy  on  the 
story  of  Ilione,  and  the  whole  passage  is  preserved  to  ns  in  Cicero : 

“ Mater,  te  adpello,  tu  quae  somno  curam  suspensara  levas, 

Neque  te  mei  miseret,  surge  et  sepeli  natum 

Priusquam  ferae  volucresque.” Fran. 

35  Stertinius  goes  on  to  prove,  not  only  that  Damasippus  is  not  a fool, 
in  buying  statues,  since  he  does  not  pay  for  them,  but  that  he  would  be 
a fool  indeed,  to  refuse  the  favor  which  Mercury  offers  him,  in  the  cre- 
dulity of  Perillius.  Dac. 

3s  Scribere  is  sometimes  used  in  the  sense  u to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  a sum  borrowed;”  hence  some  have  supposed  that  the  meaning  here 
is  scribe  te  decern  sestertia  accepisse  a Nerio,  as  said  by  Damasippus7 
creditor.  Thus,  Nerius  is  a banker,  with  whom  Damasippus’  creditor 
(Perillius)  had  lodged  his  money,  and  in  whose  books  Damasippus,  when 
drawing  the  ten  sestertia,  was  required  to  acknowledge  ( scribere ) the  re- 
ceipt of  so  much  money.  Rut  I prefer  G-esner’s  interpretation,  scribe 
decern  tabulas  a Nerio , i.  e.  “ draw  out  ten  bonds  with  all  the  niceties 
of  Nerius ,”  a usurer,  well  known  for  his  care  in  wording  the  bonds,  so 
that  there  could  be  no  evasion.  M‘Caul. 

37  Cicuta  was  an  old  notary,  who  knew  too  well  the  practice  of  bonds, 
to  neglect  any  clauses  or  forms,  capable  of  finding  these  engagements. 
Such  is  the  force  of  nodosus.  Tabulce  are  the  bonds  or  contracts,  from 
whence  notaries  were  called  tabularii.  Ed.  Dubl. 

33  People  are  not  usually  too  careful  of  what  belongs  to  others,  from 
whence  this  kind  of  proverbial  expression,  “ laughing  with  another  man’s 
cheeks.”  Dacier  very  well  observes,  that  our  poet  hath  translated  it 
from  Homer,  when  he  says  of  Penelope’s  lovers, 

O l fjdrj  yvaOfJLoloi  yeTiuuv  d’klopioLOi. 

Odyss.  lib.  xx.  v.  346. 


SAT.  HI. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


197 


into  a tree.  If  to  conduct  one’s  affairs  badly  be  the  part  of  a 
the  madman ; and  the  reverse,  that  of  a man  well  in  his  senses  ; 
brain  of  Perillius  (believe  me),  who  orders  you  [that  sum  of 
money],  which  you  can  never  repay,  is  much  more  unsound 
[than  yours]. 

Whoever  grows  pale  with  evil  ambition,  or  the  love  of  money  : 
whoever  is  heated  with  luxury,  or  gloomy  superstition,  or  any 
other  disease  of  the  mind,  I command  him  to  adjust  his  garment 
and  attend  : hither,  all  of  ye,  come  near  me  in  order,  while  I 
convince  you  that  you  are  mad. 

By  far  the  largest  portion  of  hellebore  is  to  be  administered 
to  the  covetous  : I know  not,  whether  reason  does  not  consign 
all  Anticyra  to  their  use.  The  heirs  of  Staberius  engraved 
the  sum  [which  he  left  them]  upon  his  tomb  : unless  they  had 
acted  in  this  manner,  they  were  under  an'  obligation39  to  ex- 
hibit a hundred  pair  of  gladiators  to  the  people,  beside  an  en- 
tertainment according  to  the  direction  of  Arrius ; and  as  much 
corn  as  is  cut  in  Africa.  Whether  I have  willed  this  rightly  or 
wrongly,  it  was  my  will ; be  not  severe  against  me,  [cries  the 
testator].  I imagine  the  provident  mind  of  Staberius  foresaw 
this.  What  then  did  he  mean,  when  he  appointed  by  will  that 
his  heirs  should  engrave  the  sum  of  their  patrimony  upon  his 
tomb-stone  ? As  long  as  he  lived,  he  deemed  poverty  a great 
vice,  and  nothing  did  he  more  industriously  avoid : insomuch 
that,  had  he  died  less  rich  by  one  farthing,  the  more  iniquitous 
would  he  have  appeared  to  himself.  For  every  thing,  virtue, 
fame,  glory,  divine  and  human  affairs,  are  subservient  to  the 
attraction  of  riches ; which  whoever  shall  have  accumulated, 
shall  be  illustrious,  brave,  just — What,  wise  too  ? Ay,  and  a 
king,  and  whatever  else  he  pleases.  This  he  was  in  hopes 
would  greatly  redound  to  his  praise,  as  if  it  had  been  an  acqui- 
sition of  his  virtue.  In  what  respect  did  the  Grecian  Aristip- 
pus40 act  like  this  ; who  ordered  his  slaves  to  throw  away  his 

39  Damnati  populo.  Alluding  to  the  form  of  the  will,  in  which  the 
testator  required  any  thing  of  his  heir,  Heres  damnas  esto. 

40  Aristippus  was  the  chief  of  the  Cyrenaic  sect.  He  held  that  pleas- 
ure was  the  summum  bonum , and  virtue  only  valuable  as  it  was  a means 
of  gaining  that  pleasure.  Epicurus  was  perfectly  rigid  when  compared 
to  his  master  Aristippus,  and  by  our  author’s  manner  of  mentioning  him 
in  many  parts  of  his  works,  we  may  believe  he  was  no  enemy  to  so  con- 
venient a philosophy.  Staberius,  who  was  a Stoic,  has  given  an  ill- 
natured  turn  to  this  story,  which  is  much  commended  by  Cicero ; for 
Aristippus  had  only  one  slave,  whom  he  commanded  to  throw  away  as 
much  of  his  money  as  was  too  heavy  to  carry.  Dac.  San. 


198 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE, 


BOOK  II. 


gold  in  the  midst  of  Libya ; because,  encumbered  with  the  bur- 
den, they  traveled  too  slowly  ? Which  is  the  greater  madman 
of  these  two  ? An  example  is  nothing  to  the  purpose,  that  de- 
cides one  controversy  by  creating  another.  If  any  person  were 
to  buy  lyres,  and  [when  he  had  bought  them]  to  stow  them  in 
one  place,  though  neither  addicted  to  the  lyre  nor  to  any 
one  muse  whatsoever : if  a man  were  [to  buy]  paring-knives 
and  lasts,  and  were  no  shoemaker ; sails  fit  for  navigation,  and 
were  averse  to  merchandising ; he  would  every  where  deserved- 
ly be  styled  delirious,  and  out  of  his  senses.  How  does  he 
differ  from  these,  who  hoards  up  cash  and  gold  [and]  knows 
not  how  to  use  them  when  accumulated,  and  is  afraid  to  touch 
them  as  if  they  were  consecrated  ? If  any  person  before  a great 
heap  of  corn  should  keep  perpetual  watch  with  a long  club, 
and,  though  the  owner  of  it,  and  hungry,  should  not  dare  to 
take  a single  grain  from  it ; and  should  rather  feed  upon  bitter 
leaves  : if,  while  a thousand  hogsheads  of  Chian,  or  old  Faler- 
nian,  is  stored  up  within  (nay,  that  is  nothing — three  hundred 
thousand),  he  drink  nothing,  but  what  is  mere  sharp  vinegar : 
again — if,  wanting  but  one  year  of  eighty,  he  should  lie  upon 
straw,  who  has  bed-clothes  rotting  in  his  chest,  the  food  of 
worms  and  moths  ; he  would  seem  mad,  belike,  but  to  few  per- 
sons : because  the  greatest  part  of  mankind  labors  under  the 
same  malady. 

Thou  dotard,  hateful  to  the  gods,  dost  thou  guard  [these 
possessions],  for  fear  of  wanting  thyself : to  the  end  that  thy 
son,  or  even  the  freedman  thy  heir,  should  guzzle  it  all  up  ? 
For  how  little  will  each  day  deduct  from  your  capital,  if  you 
begin  to  pour  better  oil  upon  your  greens  and  your  head,  filthy 
with  scurf  not  combed  out  ? If  any  thing  be  a sufficiency, 
wherefore  are  you  guilty  of  perjury  [wherefore]  do  you  rob, 
and  plunder  from  all  quarters  ? Are  you  in  your  senses  ? If 
you  were  to  begin  to  pelt  the  populace  with  stones,  and  the 
slaves,  which  you  purchased  with  your  money ; all  the  very 
boys  and  girls  will  cry  out  that  you  are  a madman.  When 
you  dispatch  your  wife  with  a rope,  and  your  mother  with  poi- 
son, are  you  right  in  your  head  ? Why  not  ? You  neither  did 
this  at  Argos,  nor  slew  your  mother  with  the  sword  as  the  mad 
Orestes  did.  What,  do  you  imagine  that  he  ran  mad  after  he 
had  murdered  his  parent ; and  that  he  was  not  driven  mad  by 
the  wicked  Furies,  before  he  warmed  his  sharp  steel  in  his 


SAT.  in. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE.' 


199 


mother’s  throat  ? Nay,  from  the  time  that  Orestes  is  deemed 
to  have  been  of  a dangerous  disposition,  he  did  nothing  in 
fact  that  you  can  blame  ; he  did  not  dare  to  offer  violence 
with  his  sword  to  Pylades,  nor  to  his  sister  Electra ; he  only 
gave  ill  language  to  both  of  them,  by  calling  her  a Fury,  and 
him  some  other  [opprobrious  name],  which  his  violent  choler 
suggested. 

Opimius,  poor  amid  silver  and  gold  hoarded  up  within,  who 
used  to  drink  out  of  Campanian  ware  Yeientine41  wine  on  holi- 
days, and  mere  dregs  on  common  days,  was  some  time  ago 
taken  with  a prodigious  lethargy  ; insomuch  that  his  heir  was 
already  scouring  about  his  coffers  and  keys,  in  joy  and  tri- 
umph. His  physician,  a man  of  much  dispatch  and  fidelity, 
raises  him  in  this  manner : he  orders  a table  to  be  brought, 
and  the  bags  of  money  to  be  poured  out,  and  several  persons  to 
approach  in  order  to  count  it : by  this  method  he  sets  the  man 
upon  his  legs  again.  And  at  the  same  time  he  addresses  him 
to  this  effect.  Unless  you  guard  your  money  your  ravenous 
heir  will  even  now  carry  off  these  [treasures]  of  yours.  What, 
while  I am  alive  ? That  you  may  live,  therefore,  awake  ; do 
this.  What  would  you  have  me  do  ? Why  your  blood  will 
fail  you  that  are  so  much  reduced,  unless  food  and  some  great 
restorative  be  administered  to  your  decaying  stomach.  Do  you 
hesitate  ? come  on ; take  this  ptisan42  made  of  rice.  IIow 
much  did  it  cost  ? A trifle.  How  much  then  ? Eight  asses. 
Alas ! what  does  it  matter,  whether  I die  of  a disease,  or  by 
theft  and  rapine  ? 

Who  then  is  sound  ? He,  who  is  not  a fool.  What  is  the 
covetous  man  ? Both  a fool  and  a madman.  What — if  a man 
be  not  covetous,  is  he  immediately  [to  be  deemed]  sound  ? By 
no  means.  Why  so,  Stoic  ? I will  tell  you.  Such  a patient 
(suppose  Craterus  [the  physician]  said  this)  is  not  sick  at  the 
heart.  Is  he  therefore  well,  and  shall  he  get  up  ? No,  he  will 
forbid  that ; because  his  side  or  his  reins  are  harassed  with  an 
acute  disease.  [In  like  manner],  such  a man  is  not  perjured, 

41  Thi8  wine  was  of  a very  poor  kind.  See  Lamb  and  Orelli. 

42  Ptisanarium.  The  diminutive  from  ptsana,  unhusked  barley  or 
rice,  from  -ktIggcj,  tundo , tundendo  decortico.  Here  it  means  a decoction,  a 
kind  of  gruel  made  of  oryza,  rice.  M‘Caul.  Rice  was  not  then  cultivat- 
ed in  Italy,  but  brought  from  Egypt.  The  physician  purposely  uses  the 
diminutive  ptisanarium,  lest  he  should  terrify  the  patient.  Wheeler. 


200 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


nor  sordid;  let  him  then  sacrifice  a hog  to  his  propitious43 
household  gods.  But  he  is  ambitious  and  assuming.  Let  him 
make  a voyage  [then]  to  Anticyra.  For  what  is  the  difference, 
whether  you  fling  whatever  you  have  into  a gulf,  or  make  no 
use  of  your  acquisitions  ? 

Servius  Oppidius,  rich  in  the  possession  of  an  ancient  estate, 
is  reported  when  dying  to  have  divided  two  farms  at  Canusium 
between  his  two  sons,  and  to  have  addressed  the  boys,  called  to 
his  bed-side,  [in  the  following  manner]  : When  I saw  you,  Au- 
lus,  carry  your  playthings  and  nuts  carelessly  in  your  bosom, 
[and]  to  give  them  and  game  them  away ; you,  Tiberius,  count 
them,  and  anxious  hide  them  in  holes  ; I was  afraid  lest  a mad- 
ness of  a different  nature  should  possess  you  : lest  you  [Aulus], 
should  follow  the  example  of  Nomentanus,  you,  [Tiberius],  that 
of  Cicuta.  Wherefore  each  of  you,  entreated  by  our  household 
gods,  do  you  (Aulus)  take  care  lest  you  lessen  ; you  (Tiberius) 
lest  you  make  that  greater,  which  your  father  thinks  and  the 
purposes  of  nature  determine  to  be  sufficient..  Further,  lest 
glory  should  entice  you,  I will  bind  each  of  you  by  an  oath : 
whichever  of  you  shall  be  an  aedile  or  a praetor,  let  him  be 
excommunicated  and  accursed.  W ould  you  destroy  your  effects 
in  [largesses  of]  peas,  beans,  and  lupines,44  that  you  may  stalk 
in  the  circus  at  large,  or  stand  in  a statue  of  brass,  O madman, 
stripped  of  your  paternal  estate,  stripped  of  your  money  ? 
To  the  end,  forsooth,  that  you  may  gain  those  applauses, 
which  Agrippa45  gains,  like  a cunning  fox  imitating  a generous 
lion  ? 

43  All  the  good  and  bad  accidents  that  happened  in  families  were  gen- 
erally attributed  to  the  domestic  gods,  and  as  these  gods  were  the  sons 
of  the  goddess  of  madness,  they  were  particularly  worshiped  by  persons 
disordered  in  their  understanding.  Stertinius  therefore  advises  the  man, 
who,  by  the  favor  of  these  gods,  is  neither  perjured  nor  a miser,  grate- 
fully to  sacrifice  a swine  to  them,  which  was  their  usual  sacrifice. 
“Fruge  Lares,  avidaque  porca.”  Od.  xxiii.  lib.  ii.  Tore. 

44  Distributions  of  these  were  frequently  made  to  the  people  by  can- 
didates for  offices,  or  by  the  aediles  at  the  celebration  of  the  games,  etc. 
Oppidius  asks  whether  his  son  would  be  so  mad  as  to  squander  his  prop- 
erty in  largesses,  for  the  sake  of  obtaining  an  office  in  the  state.  Comp. 
Pers.  Sat.  v.  117  : 

. “ Yigila  et  cicer  ingere  large 

Rixanti  populo,  nostra  ut  Floralia  possint 

Aprici  meminisse  senes.”  M‘Caul. 

45  This  compliment  to  Agrippa  is  introduced  with  great  art,  as  if  it 


SAT.  III. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


201 


O Agamemnon,  why  do  you  prohibit  any  one  from  bury- 
ing40 Ajax  ? I am  a king.  I,  a plebeian,47  make  no  further  in- 
quiry. And  I command  a just  thing  : but,  if  I seem  unjust  to 
any  one,  I permit  you  to  speak  your  sentiments  with  impunity. 
Greatest  of  kings,  may  the  gods  grant  that,  after  the  taking  of 
Troy,  you  may  conduct  your  fleet  safe  home : may  I then 
have  the  liberty  to  ask  questions,  and  repl}r  in  my  turn  ? 
Ask.  Why  does  Ajax,  the  second  hero  after  Achilles,  rot 
[above  ground],  so  often  renowned  for  having  saved  the  Gre- 
cians ; that  Priam  and  Priam’s  people  may  exult  in  his  being 
unburied,  by  whose  means  so  many  youths  have  been  deprived 
of  their  country’s  rites  of  sepulture.  In  his  madness  he  killed 
a thousand  sheep,  crying  out  that  he  was  destroying  the  fa- 
mous Ulysses  and  Menelaus,  together  with  me.  When  you  at 
Aulis  substituted  your  sweet  daughter  in  the  place  of  a heifer 
before  the  altar,  and,  O impious  one,  sprinkled  her  head  with 
the  salt  cake ; did  you  preserve  soundness  of  mind  ? Why 
do  you  ask  ? What  then  did  the  mad  Ajax  do,  when  he  slew 
the  flock  with  his  sword  ? He  abstained  from  any  violence  to 
his  wife  and  child,  though  he  had  imprecated  many  curses  on 
the  sons  of  Atreus : he  neither  hurt  Teucer,  nor  even  Ulysses 
himself.  But  I,  out  of  prudence,  appeased  the  gods  with  blood, 
that  I might  loose  the  ships  detained  on  an  adverse  shore. 
Yes,  madman  ! with  your  own  blood.  With  my  own  [indeed], 
but  I was  not  mad.  Whoever  shall  form  images  foreign  from 
reality,  and  confused  in  the  tumult  of  impiety,48  will  always  be 
reckoned  disturbed  in  mind  : and  it  will  not  matter,  whether 
he  go  wrong  through  folly  or  through  rage.  Is  Ajax  delirious, 

escaped  accidentally,  and  it  is  enlivened  by  a comparison,  short  but  no- 
ble. Although  Agrippa  had  been  consul  in  117,  yet  he  condescended 
to  accept  the  office  of  sedile  in  720,  when  he  entertained  the  people  with 
a magnificence  and  expense  beyond  what  they  had  ever  seen.  Sax. 

46  Here  opens  another  scene,  in  which  a king  and  a Stoic  are  engaged, 
and  in  which  the  philosopher  proves  in  good  form,  that  this  greatest  of 
monarchs  is  a fool  and  a madman.  The  debate  arises  from  an  incident 
in  a play  of  Sophocles,  in  which  Agamemnon  refuses  to  let  Ajax  be  bu- 
ried. San. 

47  Agamemnon  finding  his  answer,  I am  a king,  a little  too  tyrannical, 
adds,  our  decree  was  just.  Perhaps  the  humility  of  the  philosopher,  either 
ironical  or  serious,  in  seeming  to  allow  his  royal  manner  of  deciding  the 
question,  extorted  this  condescension  from  the  monarch.  Ed.  Dubl. 

48  i.  e.  the  perturbation  of  mind  leading  to  the  commission  of  impious 
deeds.  Orelll 


9* 


202 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL 


while  he  kills  the  harmless  lambs?  Are  you  right  in  your 
head,  when  you  willfully  commit  a crime  for  empty  titles? 
And  is  your  heart  pure,  while  it  is  swollen  with  the  vice  ?49  If 
any  person  should  take  a delight  to  carry  about  with  him  in 
his  sedan  a pretty  lambkin  ; and  should  provide  clothes,  should 
provide  maids  and  gold  for  it,  as  for  a daughter ; should  call  it 
Rufa  and  Rufilla,  and  should  destine  it  a wife  for  some  stout 
husband ; the  praetor  would  take  power  from  him  being  in- 
terdicted, and  the  management  of  him  would  devolve  to  his 
relations,  that  were  in  their  senses.  What,  if  a man  devote 
his  daughter  instead  of  a dumb  lambkin,  is  he  right  of 
mind  ? Never  say  it.  Therefore,  wherever  there  is  a foolish 
depravity,  there  will  be  the  height  of  madness.  He  who  is 
wicked,  will  be  frantic  too : Bellona,  who  delights  in  blood- 
shed, has  thundered  about  him,  whom  precarious  fame  has  cap- 
tivated. 

Now,  come  on,  arraign  with  me  luxury  and  Nomentanus  ; 
for  reason  will  evince  that  foolish  spendthrifts  are  mad.  This 
fellow,  as  soon  as  he  received  a thousand  talents  of  patrimony, 
issues  an  order  that  the  fishmonger,  the  fruiterer,  the  poul- 
terer, the-  perfumer,  and  the  impious  gang  of  the  Tuscan  alley, 
sausage-maker,  and  buffoons,  the  whole  shambles,  together 
with  [all]  Velabrum,  should  come  to  his  house  in  the  morn- 
ing. What  was  the  consequence  ? They  came  in  crowds. 
The  pander  makes  a speech : u Whatever  I,  or  whatever  each 
of  these  has  at  home,  believe  it  to  be  yours  : and  give  your 
order  for  it  either  directly,  or  to-morrow.”  Hear  what  reply 
the  considerate  youth  made : u You  sleep  booted  in  Lucanian 
snow,  that  I may  feast  on  a boar  : you  sweep  the  wintery  seas 
for  fish  : I am  indolent,  and  unworthy  to  possess  so  much. 
Away  with  it : do  you  take  for  your  share  ten  hundred 
thousand  sesterces ; you  as  much ; you  thrice  the  sum,  from 
whose  house  your  spouse  runs,  when  called  for,  at  midnight.” 
The  son  of  AEsopus,  [the  actor]  (that  he  might,  forsooth, 
swallow  a million  of  sesterces  at  a draught),  dissolved  in 
vinegar  a precious  pearl,  which  he  had  taken  from  the  ear 
of  Metella : how  much  wiser  was  he  [in  doing  this,]  than  if 
he  had  thrown  the  same  into  a rapid  river,  or  the  common 
sewer?  The  progeny  of  Quintius  Arrius,  an  illustrious  pair 
of  brothers,  twins  in  wickedness  and  trifling  and  the  love 
49  i.  e.  of  madness. 


SAT.  III. 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


203 


of  depravity,  used  to  dine  upon  nightingales  bought  at  a 
vast  expense  : to  whom  do  these  belong  ? Are  they  in  their 
senses?  Are  they  to  be  marked  with  chalk,  or  with 
charcoal  ?&0 

If  an  [aged  person]  with  a long  beard  should  take  a de- 
light to  build  baby-houses,  to  yoke  mice  to  a go-cart,  to  play 
at  odd  and  even,  to  ride  upon  a long  cane,  madness  must  be 
his  motive.  If  reason  shall  evince,  that  to  be  in  love  is  a 
more  childish  thing  than  these;  and  that  there  is  no  differ- 
ence whether  you  play  the  same  games  in  the  dust  as  when 
three  years  old,  or  whine  in  anxiety  for  the  love  of  a harlot : 
I beg  to  know,  if  you  will  act  as  the  reformed  Polemon61  did 
of  old  1 Will  you  lay  aside  those  ensigns  of  your  disease, 
your  rollers,  your  mantle,  your  mufflers ; as  he  in  his  cups  is 
said  to  have  privately  torn  the  chaplet  from  his  neck,  after 
he  was  corrected  by  the  speech  of  his  fasting  master  ? When 
you  offer  apples  to  an  angry  boy,  he  refuses  them  : here,  take 
them,  you  little  dog  ; he  denies  you  : if  you  don’t  give  them, 
he  wants  them.  In  what  does  an  excluded  lover  differ  [from 
such  a boy]  ; when  he  argues  with  himself  whether  he  should 
go  or  not  to  that  very  place  whither  he  was  returning  with- 
out being  sent  for,  and  cleaves  to  the  hated  doors  ? “ What 

shall  I not  go  to  her  now,  when  she  invites  me  of  her  own 
accord?  or  shall  I rather  think  of  putting  an  end  to  my 
pains  ? She  has  excluded  me ; she  recalls  me : shall  I re- 
turn? No,  not  if  she  would  implore  me.”  Observe  the 
servant,  not  a little  wiser  : “ O master,  that  which  has  nei- 
ther moderation  nor  conduct,  can  not  be  guided  by  reason  or 
method.  In  love  these  evils  are  inherent ; war  [one  while], 
then  peace  again.  If  any  one  should  endeavor  to  ascertain 
these  things,  that  are  various  as  the  weather,  and  fluctuating 

50  A proverbial  expression.  Are  they  to  be  acquitted  or  condemned  ? 
Are  they  wise  or  foolish  ? 

51  Polemon  was  a young  Athenian,  who,  running  one  day  through  the 
streets,  inflamed  with  wine,  had  the  curiosity  to  go  into  the  school  of 
Xenocrates  to  hear  him.  The  philosopher  dexterously  turned  his  dis- 
course upon  sobriety,  and  spoke  with  so  much  force,  that  Polemon  from 
that  moment  renounced  his  intemperance,  and  pursued  his  studies  with 
such  application,  as  to  succeed  Xenocrates  in  his  school.  Thus,  as  Va- 
lerius Maximus  remarks,  being  cured  by  the  wholesome  medicine  of  one 
oration,  he  became  a Celebrated  philosopher,  from  an  infamous  prodigal. 
Fran. 


204 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


by  blind  chance  ; he  will  make  no  more  of  it,  than  if  he 
should  set  about  raving  by  right  reason  and  rule.”  What — 
when,  picking  the  pippins52  from  the  Picenian  apples,  you 
rejoice  if  haply  you  have  hit  the  vaulted  roof ; are  you  your- 
self? What — when  you  strike  out  faltering  accents  from 
your  antiquated  palate,  how  much  wiser  are  you  than  [a 
child]  that  builds  little  houses?  To  the  folly  [of  love]  add 
bloodshed,  and  stir  the  fire  with  a sword.53  I ask  you,  when 
Marius  lately,  after  he  had  stabbed  Hellas,  threw  himself 
down  a precipice,  was  he  raving  mad  ? Or  will  you  absolve 
the  man  from  the  imputation  of  a disturbed  mind,  and  con- 
demn him  for  the  crime,  according  to  your  custom,  imposing 
on  things  names  that  have  an  affinity  in  signification  ? 

There  was  a certain  freedman,  who,  an  old  man,  ran  about 
the  streets  in  a morning  fasting,  with  his  hands  washed,  and 
prayed  thus  : “ Snatch  me  alone  from  death”  (adding  some 
solemn  vow),  “ me  alone,  for  it  is  an  easy  matter  for  the  gods 
this  man  was  sound  in  both  his  ears  and  eyes ; but  his  master, 
when  he  sold  him,  would  except  his  understanding,  unless  he 
were  fond  of  law-suits.54  This  crowd  too  Ohrysippus  places 
in  the  fruitful  family  of  Menenius. 

O Jupiter,  who  givest  and  takest  away  great  afflictions, 
(cries  the  mother  of  a boy,  now  lying  sick  a-bed  for  five 
months),  if  this  cold  quartan  ague  should  leave  the  child,  in 
the  morning  of  that  day  on  which  you  enjoin  a fast,55  he  shall 
stand  naked  in  the  Tiber.  Should  chance  or  the  physician 
relieve  the  patient  from  his  imminent  danger,  the  infatuated 

52  The  allusion  is  to  a habit  of  determining  the  good  or  bad  fortune  of 
love  by  trying  to  strike  the  ceiling  of  a room  with  the  pippins  of  apples. 
They  were  raised  by  pressing  them  between  the  first  two  fingers.  If 
they  struck  the  ceiling,  it  was  considered  a good  omen.  Wheeler. 

53  Ignum  gladio  scrutare , a proverbial  precept  of  Pythagoras,  “Do  not 
stir  the  fire  with  a sword.”  Our  poet  uses  it  as  an  easy  transition  from 
the  folly  to  the  madness  of  lovers.  We  shall  have  another  proverb  in 
the  same  sense,  “ Oleum  adde  camino.”  Cruq.  Sax. 

5*  For  an  action  would  lay  against  those  who  gave  a false  character 
to  a slave. 

55  The  Romans  had  regular  fasts  in  honor  of  Jupiter,  which  were  usu- 
ally celebrated  on  Thursday,  which  was  consecrated  to  that  god.  They 
began  on  the  eve ; and  the  next  morning,  which  was  properly  the  fast- 
day,  was  observed  with  great  rigor  and  austerity.  Aristophanes,  in  his 
Clouds,  introduces  the  chorus,  complaining  that  they  had  a fast,  rather 
than  a feast ; which  was  observed  on  the  third  day  of  the  festival  of 
Ceres.  Dac.  San. 


SAT.  III. 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


205 


mother  will  destroy  [the  boy]  placed  on  the  cold  bank,  and 
will  bring  back  the  fever.  With  what  disorder  of  the  mind  is 
she  stricken  ? Why,  with  a superstitious  fear  of  the  gods. 

These  arms  Stertinius,  the  eighth  of  the  wise  -men,  gave  to 
me,  as  to  a friend,  that  for  the  future  I might  not  be  roughly 
accosted  without  avenging  myself.  Whosoever  shall  call  me 
madman,  shall  hear  as  much  from  me  [in  return] ; and  shall 
learn  to  look  back  upon  the  bag  that  haugs  behind  him.56 

O Stoic,  so  may  you,  after  your  damage,  sell  all  your  mer- 
chandise the  better : what  folly  (for,  [it  seems,]  there  are 
more  kinds  than  one)  do  you  think  I am  infatuated  with  ? For 
to  myself  I seem  sound.  What — when  mad  Agave  carries 
the  amputated  head  of  her  unhappy  son,  does  she  then  seem 
mad  to  herself?  I allow  myself  a fool  (let  me  yield  to  the 
truth)  and  a madman  likewise  : only  declare  this,  with  what 
distemper  of  mind  you  think  me  afflicted.  Hear,  then : in  the 
first  place  you  build  ; that  is,  though  from  top  to  bottom  you 
are  but  of  the  two-foot  size  you  imitate  the  tall : and  you,  the 
same  person,  laugh  at  the  spirit  and  strut  of  Turbo  in  armor, 
too  great  for  his  [little]  body : how  are  you  less  ridiculous 
than  him  ? What- — is  it  fitting  that,  in  every  thing  Maecenas 
does,  you,  who  are  so  very  much  unlike  him  and  so  much  his 
inferior,  should  vie  with  him  ? The  young  ones  of  a frog  be- 
ing in  her  absence  crushed  by  the  foot  of  a calf,  when  one  of 
them  had  made  his  escape,  he  told  his  mother  what  a huge 
beast  had  dashed  his  brethren  to  pieces.  She  began  to  ask, 
how  big  ? Whether  it  were  so  great  ? puffing  herself  up. 
Greater  by  half.  What,  so  big  ? when  she  had  swelled  her- 
self more  and  more.  If  you  should  burst  yourself,  says  he, 
you  will  not  be  equal  to  it.  This  image  bears  no  great  dis- 
similitude to  you.  Now  add  poems  (that  is,  -add  oil  to  the 
fire),  which  if  ever  any  man  in  his  senses  made,  why  so  do 
you.  I do  not  mention  your  horrid  rage.  At  length,  have 
done — your  way  of  living  beyond  your  fortune — confine  your- 
self to  your  own  afiairs,  Damasippus — those  thousand  passions 
for  the  fair,  the  young.  Thou  greater  madman,  at  last,  spare 
thy  inferior. 

56  Respicere  ignoto.  This  passage  may  be  explained  by  the  fifty-third 
line,  caudam  trahat , or  by  the  fable,  which  says  that  Jupiter  threw  over 
the  shoulder  of  every  mortal  two  bags ; that  the  faults  of  his  neighbor  were 
put  into  the  bag  before  him,  and  his  own  into  that  behind  him.  Fran, 


206 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


book  n. 


SATIRE  IV. 

He  ridicules  the  absurdity  of  one  C alius,  who  placed  the  summit  of  human 
felicity  in  the  culinary  art. 

Whence,  and  whither,  Catius  ? I have  not  time  [to  converse 
with  you],  being  desirous  of  impressing  on  my  memory  some 
new  precepts;  such  as  excel  Pythagoras,  and  him  that  was 
accused  by  Anytus,67  and  the  learned  Plato.  I acknowledge 
my  offense,  since  I have  interrupted  you  at  so  unlucky  a 
juncture  : but  grant  me  your  pardon,  good  sir,  I beseech  you. 
If  any  thing  should  have  slipped  you  now,  you  will  presently 
recollect  it : whether  this  talent  of  yours  be  of  nature,  or  of 
art,  you  are  amazing  in  both.  Nay,  but  I was  anxious,  how 
I might  retain  all  [these  precepts] ; as  being  things  of  a 
delicate  nature,  and  in  a delicate  style.  Tell  me  the  name  of 
this  man  ; and  at  the  same  time  whether  he  is  a Roman,  or  a 
foreigner  ? As  I have  them  by  heart,  I will  recite  the  pre- 
cepts : the  author  shall  be  concealed. 

Remember  to  serve  up  those  eggs  that  are  of  an  oblong 
make,  as  being  of  sweeter  flavor  and  more  nutritive  than  the 
round  ones  : for,  being  tough-shelled,  they  contain  a male 
yelk.  Cabbage  that  grows  in  dry  lands,  is  sweeter  than 
that  about  town  : nothing  is  more  insipid  than  a garden  much 
watered.  If  a visitor  should  come  unexpectedly  upon  you  in 
the  evening,  lest  the  tough  old  hen  prove  disagreeable  to  his 
palate,  you  must  learn  to  drown  it  in  Falernian  wine  mixed 
[with  water]  :58  this  will  make  it  tender.  The  mushrooms 
that  grow  in  meadows,69  are  of  the  best  kind  : all  others  arc 
dangerously  trusted.  That  man  shall  spend  his  summers 
healthy  who  shall  finish  his  dinners  with  mulberries60  black 
[with  ripeness],  which  he  shall  have  gathered  from  the  tree 

57  Anytique  reum.  Socrates,  when  Anytus  and  Melitus  accused. 

58  But  Bentley  is  doubtless  right  in  reading  “ musto”  for  “ misto.” 

59  Nothing  is  more  false.  The  best  mushrooms,  generally  speaking, 
are  those  gathered  in  woods,  heaths,  or  downs.  They  are  more  whole- 
some and  better  flavored  than  those  of  meadows.  Torr.  Dac. 

60  The  ancients  had  only  one  meal,  but  they  who  could  not  wait  for 
supper  usually  eat  bread,  figs,  grapes,  or  mulberries  in  the  morning. 
But  our  doctor,  who  loved  to  dine  in  form,  taught  another  method,  and 
in  contradiction  to  Galen  and  the  faculty,  would  have  his  discipies  eat 
mulberries  after  dinner.  Ed.  Dubl. 


SAT.  IY. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


207 


before  the  sun  becomes  violent.  Aufidius  used  to  mix  honey 
with  strong  Falernian  injudiciously;  because  it  is  right  to 
commit  nothing  to  the  empty  veins,  but  what  is  emollient : 
you  will,  with  more  propriety,  wash  your  stomach  with  soft 
mead.  If  your  belly  should  be  hard  bound,  the  limpet  and 
coarse  cockles  will  remove  obstructions,  and  leaves  of  the 
small  sorrel ; but  not  without  Coan  white  wine.  The  in- 
creasing moons  swell  the  lubricating  shell-fish.  But  every  sea 
is  not  productive  of  the  exquisite  sorts.  The  Lucrine  muscle 
is  better  than  the  Baian  murex : [The  best]  oysters  come 
from  the  Circaean  promontory ; cray-fish  from  Misenum  : the 
soft  Tarentum  plumes  herself  on  her  broad  escalops.  Let  no 
one  presumptuously  arrogate  to  himself  the  science  of  ban- 
queting, unless  the  nice  doctrine  of  tastes  has  been  previously 
considered  by  him  with  exact  system.  Nor  is  it  enough  to 
sweep  away  a parcel  of  fishes  from  the  expensive  stalls,  [while 
he  remains]  ignorant  for  what  sort  stewed  sauce  is  more 
proper,  and  what  being  roasted,  the  sated  guest  will  presently 
replace  himself  on  his  elbow.  Let  the  boar  from  Umbria,  and 
that  which  has  been  fed  with  the  acorns  of  the  scarlet  oak, 
bend  the  round  dishes  of  him  who  dislikes  all  flabby  meat : 
for  the  Laurentian61  boar,  fattened  with  flags  and  reeds,  is 
bad.  The  vineyard  does  not  always  afford  the  most  eatable 
kids.  A man  of  sense  will  be  fond  of  the  shoulders  of  a 
pregnant  hare.  What  is  the  proper  age  and  nature  of  fish 
and  fowl,  though  inquired  after,  was  never  discovered  before 
my  palate.  There  are  some,  whose  genius  invents  nothing 
but  new  kinds  of  pastry.  To  waste  one’s  care  upon  one  thing, 
is  by  no  means  sufficient ; just  as  if  any  person  should  use  all 
his  endeavors  for  this  only,  that  the  wine  be  not  bad ; quite 
careless  what  oil  he  pours  upon  his  fish.  If  you  set  out 
Massic62  wine  in  fair  weather,  should  there  be  any  thing  thick 
in  it,  it  will  be  attenuated  by  the  nocturnal  air,  and  the  smell 
unfriendly  to  the  nerves  will  go  off : but,  if  filtrated  through 
linen,  it  will  lose  its  entire  flavor.  He,  who  skillfully  mixes 
the  Surrentine  wine  with  Falernian  lees,  collects  the  sedi- 
ment with  a pigeon’s  egg  : because  the  yelk  sinks  to  the  bot- 

61  All  people  of  taste  have  ever  esteemed  boars  fed  in  marshy  ground 
as  of  higher  flavor,  although  Catius  is  of  another  opinion.  Dac. 

62  Pliny  advises,  that  all  the  best  Campanian  wines  should  be  exposed 
night  and  day  to  the  sun,  moon,  rain,  and  winds.  Ed.  Dubl. 


208 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


tom,  rolling  down  with  it  all  the  heterogeneous  parts.  You 
may  rouse  the  jaded  toper  with  roasted  shrimps  and  African 
cockles ; for  lettuce  after  wine  floats  upon  the  soured  stom- 
ach : by  ham  preferably,  and  by  sausages,  it  craves  to  be 
restored  to  its  appetite  : nay,  it  will  prefer  every  thing  which 
is  brought  smoking  hot  from  the  nasty  eating-houses.  It  is 
worth  while  to  be  acquainted  with  the  two  kinds  of  sauce.  The 
simple  consists  of  sweet  oil ; which  it  will  be  proper  to  mix 
with  rich  wine  and  pickle,  but  with  no  other  pickle  than  that 
by  which  the  Byzantine  jar  has  been  tainted.  When  this, 
mingled  with  shredded  herbs,  has  boiled,  and  sprinkled  with 
Corycian  saffron,  has  stood,  you  shall  over  and  above  add 
what  the  pressed  berry  of  the  Yenafran  olive  yields.  The 
Tiburtian  yield  to  the  Picenian  apples  in  juice,  though  they 
excel  in  look.  The  Venusian  grape  is  proper  for  [preserving 
in]  pots.  The  Albanian  you  had  better  harden  in  the  smoke. 
I am  found  to  be  the  first  that  served  up  this  grape  with  ap^ 
pies  in  neat  little  side-plates,  to  be  the  first  [likewise  that 
served  up]  wine-lees  and  herring-brine,  and  white  peppei 
finely  mixed  with  black  salt.  It  is  an  enormous  fault  to  be- 
stow three  thousand  sesterces  on  the  fish-market,  and  then  to 
cramp  the  roving  fishes  in  a narrow  dish.  It  causes  a great 
nausea  in  the  stomach,  if  even  the  slave  touches  the  cup  with 
greasy  hands,  while  he  licks  up  snacks,  or  if  offensive  grime 
has  adhered  to  the  ancient  goblet.  In  trays,  in  mats,  in  saw- 
dust, [that  are  so]  cheap,  what  great  expense  can  there  be  ? 
But,  if  they  are  neglected,  it  is  a heinous  shame.  What, 
should  you  sweep  Mosaic  pavements  with  a dirty  broom  made 
of  palm,  and  throw  Tyrian  carpets  over  the  unwashed  furni- 
ture of  your  couch ! forgetting,  that  by  how  much  less  care 
and  expense  these  things  are  attended,  so  much  the  more 
justly  may  [the  want  of  them]  be  censured,  than  of  those 
things  which  can  not  be  obtained  but  at  the  tables  of  the 
rich  ? 

Learned  Catius,  entreated  by  our  friendship  and  the  gods, 
remember  to  introduce  me  to  an  audience  [with  this  great 
man],  whenever  you  shall  go  to  him.  For,  though  by  your 
memory  you  relate  every  thing  to  me,  yet  as  a relater  you 
can  not  delight  me  in  so  high  a degree.  Add  to  this  the  coun- 
tenance and  deportment  of  the  man ; whom  you,  happy  in 
having  seen,  do  not  much  regard,  because  it  has  been  your 


SAT.  V.  • 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


209 


lot : but  I liave  no  small  solicitude,  that  I may  approach  the 
distant  fountain-heads,  and  imbibe  the  precepts  of  [such]  a 
blessed  life. 


SATIRE  V. 

In  a humorous  dialogue  between  Ulysses  and  Tiresias , he  exposes  those  arts 
which  the  fortune  hunters  make  use  of  in  order  to  be  appointed  the  heirs 
of  rich  old  men. 

Beside  what  you  have  told  me,  0 Tiresias,  answer  to  this 
petition  of  mine  : by  what  arts  and  expedients  may  I be  able 
to  repair  my  ruined  fortunes — why  do  you  laugh  ? Does  it 
already  seem  little  to  you,  who  are  practiced  in  deceit,  to  be 
brought  back  to  Ithaca,  and  to  behold  [again]  your  family 
household  gods  ? O you  who  never  speak  wisely  to  any  one, 
you  see  how  naked  and  destitute  I return  home,  according  to 
your  prophecy : nor  is  either  my  cellar,  or  my  cattle  there, 
unembezzled  by  the  suitors  [of  Penelope].  But  birth  and 
virtue,  unless  [attended]’  with  substance,  is  viler  than  sea- 
weed. 

Since  (circumlocutions  apart)  you  are  in  dread  of  poverty, 
hear  by  what  means  you  may  grow  wealthy.  If  a thrush,  or 
any  [nice]  thing  for  your  own  private  [eating],  shall  be  given 
you  ; it  must  wing  way  to  that  place,  whero  shines  a great 
fortune,  the  possessor  being  an  old  man  : delicious  apples,  and 
whatever  dainties  your  well-cultivated  ground  brings  forth  for 
you,  let  the  rich  man,  as  more  to  be  reverenced  than  you! 
household  god,  taste  before  him  : and,  though  he  be  perjured, 
of  no  family,  stained  with  his  brother’s  blood,  a runaway  ; if 
he  desire  it,  do  not  refuse  to  go  along  with  him,  his  compan- 
ion on  the  outer  side.63  What,  shall  I walk  cheek  by  jole 
with  a filthy  Damas  ? I did  not  behave  myself  in  that  man- 
ner at  Troy,  contending  always  with  the  best.  You  must 
then  be  poor.  I will  command  my  sturdy  soul  to  bear  this 
evil ; I have  formerly  endured  even  greater.  Do  thou,  O proph- 
et, tell  me  forthwith  how  I may  amass  riches,  and  heaps  of 

63  Comes  exterior.  In  walking*  with  a companion,  the  side  which  is 
most  exposed  was  called  the  outer  side.  When  three  people  walk  to- 
gether, the  middle  is,  for  the  same  reason,  the  most  honorable  place,  and 
is  therefore  always  given  to  the  person  of  most  distinction,  interior  comes. 


210 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


money.  In  troth  I have  told  you,  and  tell  you  again.  Use 
your  craft  to  lie  at  catch  for  the  last  wills  of  old  men  : nor, 
if  one  or  two  cunning  chaps  escape  by  biting  the  bait  off  the 
hook,  either  lay  aside  hope,  or  quit  the  art,  though  disap- 
pointed in  your  aim.  If  an  affair,  either  of  little  or  great  con- 
sequence, shall  be  contested  at  any  time  at  the  bar ; which- 
ever of  the  parties  live  wealthy  without  heirs,  should  he  be 
a rogue,  who  daringly  takes  the  law  of  a better  man,  be  thou 
his  advocate : despise  the  citizen,  who  is  superior  in  reputa- 
tion, and  [the  justness  of]  his  cause,  if  at  home  he  has  a son  or 
a fruitful  wife.  [Address  him  thus :]  “ Quintus,  for  instance, 
or  Publius64  (delicate  ears  delight  in  the  prefixed  name),  your 
virtue  has  made  me  your  friend.  I am  acquainted  with  the 
precarious  quirks  of  the  law ; I can  plead  causes.  Any  one 
shall  sooner  snatch  my  eyes  from  me,  than  he  shall  despise 
or  defraud  you  of  an  empty  nut.  This  is  my  care,  that  you 
lose  nothing,  that  you  be  not  made  a jest  of.”  Bid  him  |ro 
home,  and  make  much  of  himself.  Be  his  solicitor  yourself : 
persevere,  and  be  steadfast : whether  the  glaring  dog-star 
shall  cleave  the  infant  statues ; or  Furius,  destined  with  his 
greasy  paunch,65  shall  spue  white  sno  wover  the  wintery  Alps. 
Do  not  you  see  (shall  some  one  say,  jogging  the  person  that 
stands  next  to  him  by  the  elbow)  how  indefatigable  he  is,  how 
serviceable  to  his  friends,  how  acute  ? [By  this  means]  more 
tunnies  shall  swim  in,  and  your  fish-ponds  will  increase. 

Further,  if  any  one  in  affluent  circumstances  has  reared66 

64  Quinte,  puta,  aut  PuUi.  A slave  was  no  sooner  made  free,  than  he 
qualified  himself  with  a surname,  such  as  Marcus,  Quintus,  Publius, 
which  carried  a sort  of  dignity  with  it.  The  Romans  saluted  each  other 
by  their  surnames.  Ed.  Dubl. 

65  Pingui  tentus  omaso.  Furius,  in  a poem  on  the  Gallic  war,  had  said, 
“Jupiter  hibernas  cana  nive  conspuet  Alpes.”  Horace  applies  it  to  the 
author  himself,  adding  “ pingui  tentus  omaso”  in  ridicule  of  his  appear- 
ance. “Furius  poeta  immanis  ventris,  qui  nivem  spumam  (sputum) 
Jovis  dixit.  Ideo  hoc  ejus  personae  dedit,  tanquam  ipse  spuat.”  Sch. 
Acr.  Orelli  considers  three  several  passages  of  Furius  to  be  referred  to : 
“rubra  canicula  findit  infantes  statuas,”  is  a passage  in  which  Furius  de- 
scribes a statuary,  and  thought  he  had  a happy  expression  in  infantes , 
since  statues  are  dylurToi.  By  “pingui  tentus  omasi,”  some  general 
opposed  to  Caesar  is  described  as  a voracious  barbarian.  “Hibernas,” 
etc.,  formed  the  first  line  of  his  poetical  history  of  Caesar.  Wheeler. 

66  Sublatus.  A word  taken  from  a Roman  custom  of  laying  their 
new-born  infants  on  the  ground,  and  educating  only  those  the  father 
took  up. 


SAT.  V. 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


211 


an  ailing  son,  lest  a too  open  complaisance  to  a single  man 
should  detect  you,  creep  gradually  into  the  hope  [of  succeed- 
ing him],  and  that  you  may  be  set  down  as  second  heir ; and, 
if  any  casualty  should  dispatch  the  boy  to  Hades,  you  may 
come  into  the  vacancy.  This  die  seldom  fails.  Whoever 
delivers  his  will  to  you  to  read,  be  mindful  to  decline  it,  and 
push  the  parchment  from  you  : [do  it]  however  in  such  a 
manner,  that  you  may  catch  with  an  oblique  glance,  what  the 
first  page67  intimates  to  be  in  the  second  clause  : run  over 
with  a quick  eye,  whether  you  are  sole  heir,  or  co-heir  with 
many.  Sometimes  a well-seasoned  lawyer,  risen  from  a 
Quinquevir,68  shall  delude  the  gaping  raven ; and  the  fortune- 
hunter  Nasica  shall  be  laughed  at  by  Coranus. 

What,  art  thou  in  a [prophetic]  raving ; or  dust  thou  play 
upon  me  designedly,  by  uttering  obscurities  ? O son  of  Laertes, 
whatever  I shall  say  will  come  to  pass,  or  it  will  not  :69  for  the 
great  Apollo  gives  me  the  power  to  divine.  Then,  if  it  is 
proper,  relate  what  that  tale  means. 

At  that  time  when  the  youth  dreaded  by  the  Parthians,  an 
offspring  derived  from  the  noble  ^Eneas,  shall  be  mighty  by 
land  and  sea ; the  tall  daughter  of  Nasica,  averse  to  pay  the 
sum  total  of  his  debt,  shall  wed  the  stout  Coranus.  Then  the 
son-in-law  shall  proceed  thus  : he  shall  deliver  his  will  to  his 
father-in-law,  and  entreat  him  to  read  it;  Nasica  will  at  length 
receive  it,  after  it  has  been  several  times  refused,  and  silently 
peruse  it ; and  will  find  no  other  legacy  left  to  him  and  his, 
except  leave  to  lament. 

07  Prima  cera  signifies  the  first  page  of  the  will,  in  which  the  testator's 
name  was  written.  Secundo  versu  was  the  second  line,  which  contained 
the  names  of  the  heirs  and  co-heirs.  Ed.  Dubl. 

68  The  quinqueviri  were  a kind  of  tip-staff  or  bailiff,  in  the  colonies  and 
municipal  towns.  A man  who  had  passed  through  these  little  offices 
may  well  be  supposed  to  be  sufficiently  knowing  in  what  we  call  the 
practice,  and  from  this  body  public  notaries  and  registers  were  chosen. 
Horace  therefore  means,  by  scriba  recoctus , a notary  sufficiently  refined 
in  tricks  and  cunning  of  the  law.  Recoctus  is  properly  double-dyed,  that 
hath  fully  taken  its  color.  Ed.  Dubl. 

69  Quidquid  dicam , aut  exit , aut  non.  It  is  well  disputed,  whether 
these  words  be  spoken  in  jest  by  Tiresias,  to  rally  the  monarch  who  con- 
sults him,  or  whether  he  too  carelessly  discovers  his  real  opinion  of  his 
art.  There  is  an  acknowledged  ambiguity  and  double  meaning  in  his 
expression,  under  which,  perhaps,  the  poet  disguises  his  own  sentiments 
of  the  skill  of  these  diviners,  and  the  frequent  ambiguity  of  their  answers. 
Ed.  Dubl. 


212 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


book  n. 


To  these  [directions  I have  already  given],  I subjoin  the 
[following] : if  haply  a cunning  woman  or  a freedman  have 
the  management  of  an  old  driveler,  join  with  them  as  an 
associate:  praise  them,  that  you  may  be  praised  in  your 
absence.  This  too  is  of  service  ; but  to  storm  [the  capital] 
itself  excels  this  method  . by  far.  Shall  he,  a dotard,  scribble 
wretched  verses  2 Applaud  them.  Shall  he  be  given  to 
pleasure?  Take  care  [you  do  not  suffer  him]  to  ask  you: 
of  your  own  accord  complaisantly  deliver  up  your  Penelope 
to  him,  as  preferable  [to  yourself].  What — do  you  think  so 
sober  and  so  chaste  a woman  can  be  brought  over,  whom  [so 
many]  wooers  could  not  divert  from  the  right  course  ? 
Because,  forsooth,  a parcel  of  young  fellows  came,70  who  were 
too  parsimonious  to  give  a great  price,  nor  so  much  desirous 
of  an  amorous  intercourse,  as  of  the  kitchen.  So  far  your 
Penelope  is  a good  woman  : who,  had  she  once  tasted  of  one 
old  [doting  gallant],  and  shared  with  you  the  profit,  like  a 
hound,  will  never  be  frighted  away  from  the  reeking  skin  [of 
the  new-killed  game]. 

What  I am  going  to  tell  you  happened  when  I was  an  old 
man.  A wicked  hag  at  Thebes  was,  according  to  her  will, 
carried  forth71  in  this  manner : her  heir  bore  her  corpse, 
anointed  with  a large  quantity  of  oil,  upon  his  naked  shoul- 
ders ; with  the  intent  that,  if  possible,  she  might  escape  from 
him  even  when  dead : because,  I imagine,  he  had  pressed 
upon  her  too  much  when  living.  Be  cautious  in  your  ad- 
dresses : neither  be  wanting  in  your  pains,  nor  immoderately 
exuberant.  By  garrulity  you  will  offend  the  splenetic  and 
morose.  You  must  not,  however,  be  too  silent.  Be  Davus 
in  the  play ; and  stand  with  your  head  on  one  side*  much  like 
one  who  is  in  great  awe.  Attack  him  with  complaisance  : if 
the  air  freshens,  advise  him  carefully  to  cover  up  his  precious 
head : disengage  him  from  the  crowd  by  opposing  your 
shoulders  to  it : closely  attach  your  ear  to  him,  if  chatty.  Is 

70  Although  Tiresias  gives  Ulysses  no  better  reason  for  his  wife’s 
virtue  than  the  avarice  of  her  lovers,  yet  the  monarch  hears  him 
patiently,  since  even  this  reason  proves  her  sufficiently  virtuous.  Our 
poet  probably  took  the  hint  of  this  passage  from  Homer,  who  makes 
Penelope  reproach  her  wooers  with  their  want  of  generosity,  and  never 
having  made  her  any  presents.  The  next  line  is  almost  a translation 
from  the  Odyssey.  Hac. 

71  Elata.  Carried  out  to  the  funeral  pile.  Ter.  Andr.  i.  Ejfertvjr}  Imus . 


SAT.  VI. ' 


SATIRES"  OF  HORACE. 


213 


ho  immoderately  fond  of  being  praised?-  Pay  him  home,  till 
he  shall  cry  out,  with  his  hands  lifted  up  to  heaven,  44  Enough 
and  puff*  up  the  swelling  bladder  with  tumid  speeches.  When 
he  shall  have  [at  last]  released  you  from  your  long  servitude 
and  anxiety ; and  being  certainly  awake,  you  shall  hear  [this 
article  in  his  will]  ? 44  Let  Ulysses  be  heir  to  one  fourth  of  my 

estate 44  is  then  my  companion  Damas  now  no  more  ? 
Where  shall  I find  one  so  brave  and  so  faithful  %n  Throw 
out  [something  of  this  kind]  every  now  and  then : and  if  you 
can  a little,  weep  for  him.  It  is  fit  to  disguise  your  coun- 
tenance, which  [otherwise]  would  betray  your  joy.  As  for 
the  monument,  which  is  left  to  your  own  discretion,  erect  it 
without  meanness.  The  neighborhood  will  commend  the 
funeral  handsomely  performed.  If  haply  any  of  your  co-heirs, 
being  advanced  in  years,  should  have  a dangerous  cough ; 
whether  he  has  a mind  to  be  a purchaser  of  a farm  or  a house 
out  of  your  share,  tell  him,  you  will  [come  to  any  terms  he 
shall  propose,  and]  make  it  over  to  him  gladly  for  a trifling 
sum.72  But  the  imperious  Proserpine  drags  me  hence.  Live, 
and  prosper. 


SATIRE  VI. 

lie  sets  the  conveniences  of  a country  retirement  in  opposition  to  the 
troubles  of  a life  in  town . 

This  was  [ever]  among  the  number  of  my  wishes  : a portion 
of  ground  not  over  large,  in  which  was  a garden,  and  a foun- 
tain with  a continual  stream  close  to  my  house,  and  a little 
woodland  besides.  The  gods  have  done  more  abundantly, 
and  better,  for  me  [than  this].  It  is  well : O son  of  Maia,73 

72  Nummo  addicere.  When  a counterfeit  sale  was  made  of  any  thing 
left  by  will,  the  forms  of  law  were  to  be  observed.  The  buyer  and  seller 
went  to  a public  officer  called  Libripens , or  keeper  of  the  scales ; and 
the  purchaser,  in  the  presence  of  witnesses,  put  a piece  of  money  into  the 
scales,  which  the  seller  took  out,  and  the  sale  was  afterward  deemed 
legal.  “Nummo  addicere”  means  here  “to  sell  for  nothing.”  Dac. 

73  Maid  note.  He  addresses  his  prayer  to  Mercury,  not  only  because 
this  god,  was  a patron  of  poets  in  general,  and  that  our  poet,  as  we  find 
in  his  Odes,  was  particularly  obliged  to  his  protection,  but  because  he 
presided  over  industry  and  merchandize,  as  Hercules  did  over  any  sud- 
den, accidental  increase  of  riches.  Besides,  he  was  a rural  deity,  from 


214 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


I ask  nothing  more  save  that  you  would  render  these  dona- 
tions lasting  to  me.  If  I have  neither  made  my  estate  larger 
by  bad  means,  nor  am  in  a way  to  make  it  less  by  vice  or 
misconduct ; if  I do  not  foolishly  make  any  petition  of  this 
sort — “ Oh  that  that  neighboring  angle,  which  now  spoils  the 
regularity74  of  my  field,  could  be  added  ! Oh  that  some  ac- 
cident would  discover  to  me  an  urn  [full]  of  money!  as  it 
did  to  him,  who  having  found  a treasure,  bought  that  very 
ground  he  before  tilled  in  the  capacity  of  an  hired  servant, 
enriched  by  Hercules’  being  his  friend if  what  I have  at 
present  satisfies  me  grateful,  I supplicate  you  with  this  prayer  : 
make  my  cattle  fat  for  the  use  of  their  master,  and  every  thing 
else,  except  my  genius  :75  and,  as  you  are  wont,  be  present 
as  my  chief  guardian.  Wherefore,  when  I have  removed  my- 
self from  the  city  to  the  mountains  and  my  castle,76  (what  can 
I polish,  preferably  to  my  satires  and  prosaic  muse  ?77)  neithei* 
evil  ambition  destroys  me,  nor  the  heavy78  south  wind,  nor  the 
sickly  autumn,  the  gain  of  baleful  Libitina. 

Father  of  the  morning,79  or  Janus,  if  with  more  pleasure 

whence,  as  Dacier  observes,  the  poet  recommends  the  preservation  of 
his  cattle  to  him,  in  the  fourteenth  verse.  Ed.  Dubl. 

74  Benormat.  We  do  not  find  this  word  in  any  other  author. 

75  Et  coder  a prceter  ingenium.  The  Latins,  in  speaking  of  style,  have 
expressions  not  unlike  this,  “pingue  et  adipatum  dicendi  genus;  poetsi 
pinguse  quiddam  sonantes.”  This  playing  on  the  double  meaning  of  the 
word  is  much  in  our  author’s  manner.  Besides,  Mercury  was  a good- 
humored  god,  who  understood  raillery,  “de  Dis  non  tristibus.”  Yet, 
for  fear  the  deity  should  understand  the  word  ccetera  in  its  full  extent, 
and  without  any  exception,  the  petitioner  pleasantly  guards  against  the  fat- 

' ness  of  his  understanding.  San. 

76  In  arcem.  He  considers  his  country-house  as  a citadel  inaccessible 
to  the  cares  that  besieged  him  at  Rome.  San. 

77  Musdque  pedestri.  The  muse  of  satire,  if  such  an  expression  maybe 
allowed,  is  a muse  on  foot.  She  borrowed  nothing  from  poetry  but  the 
measures  of  her  verses,  the  only  particular  in  which  she  differs  from 
prose.  San. 

78  Plumbeus.  This  epithet  very  well  expresses  the  weight  of  air  in 
autumn,  when  the  south  wind  was  usually  attended  at  Rome  with  pesti- 
lential disorders.  Our  poet’s  country-house  was  covered  by  mountains, 
in  such  a manner,  that  he  had  nothing  to  fear  from  its  bad  effects. 
San. 

79  Matutine  pater.  The  satire  properly  begins  here,  and  all  before  this 
line  is  a kind  of  preface.  Janus  presided  over  time,  and  therefore  Horace 
calls  him  god  of  the  morning,  as  if  time  seemed  to  be  renewed  every 
morning.  Dac. 


SAT.  VI. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


215 


thou  liearest  thyself  [called  by  that  name],  from  whom  men 
commence  the  toils  of  business,  and  of  life  (such  is  the  will  of 
the  gods),  be  thou  the  beginning  of  my  song.  At  Rome  you 
hurry  me  away  to  be  bail ; “ Away,  dispatch,  [you  cry,]  lest 
any  one  should  be  beforehand  with  you  in  doing  that  friendly 
office  :”80  I must  go,  at  all  events,  whether  the  north  wind 
sweep  the  earth,  or  winter  contracts  the  snowy  day  into  a 
narrower  circle.81  After  this,  having  uttered  in  a clear  and 
determinate  manner  [the  legal  form],  which  may  be  a detri- 
ment to  me,  I must  bustle  through  the  crowd  ; and  must  dis- 
oblige the  tardy.  “What  is  your  will,  madman,  and  what 
are  you  about,  impudent  fellow !”  So  one  accosts  me  with 
his  passionate  curses.  “ You  jostle  every  thing  that  is  in 
your  way,  if  with  an  appointment  full  in  your  mind  you  are 
posting  away  to  Maecenas.”  This  pleases  me,  and  is  like 
honey  : I will  not  tell  a lie.  But  by  the  time  I reach  the 
gloomy  Esquilise,  a hundred  affairs  of  other  people’s  encorm 
pass  me  on  every  side  : “ Roscius  begged  that  you  would  be 
with  him  at  the  court-house82  to-morrow  before  the  second 
hour.”  “ The  secretaries83  requested  you  would  remember, 
Quintus,  to  return  to-day  about  an  affair  of  public  concern, 
and  of  great  consequence.”  “ Get  Maecenas  to  put  his  signet84 

80  To  show  that  all  his  distresses  begin  with  the  morning,  the  poet  in- 
troduces Janus,  the  god  of  the  morning,  pressing  them  upon  him,  Urge, 
sive  Aquilo , etc.  Dac. 

81  Interiore  diem.  The  northern  part  of  the  circle  which  the  sun  de« 
scribes  in  summer  is  more  distant  from  our  earth  than  the  southern  part, 
which  he  describes  in  winter.  From  hence  our  days  are  shorter  in  winter 
than  in  summer,  and  he  may  therefore  be  poetically  said  to  drive  the  day 
in  a smaller  course.  Horace  calls  this  circle  “interiorem  gyrum,”  by  a 
figure  taken  from  chariot  races,  in  which  the  driver  who  turned  nearest 
the  goal  marked  a narrower  circle,  and  was  therefore  called  “interior 
quadriga,”  with  regard  to  those  who  were  obliged  to  take  a larger  com- 
pass, “ exteriores.”  Tore. 

82  Ad  Puteal.  He  describes  a part  of  the  forum  by  a monument 
erected  there  to  show  that  the  place  had  been  struck  with  thunder. 
Some  of  the  praetors  held  a kind  of  sessions  there  to  decide  private 
causes.  Torr. 

83  Horace  had  purchased  an  employment  of  register  or  secretary  to 
the  treasury ; from  whence  he  is  desired  to  return  early  from  Maecenas 
to  consult  about  some  important  affair  that  concerned  the  whole  body. 
Torr. 

64  Imprimat  his , cura.  Dion  informs  us,  that  Maecenas  was  intrusted 
with  the  great  seal  of  the  Roman  Empire,  and  was  a kind  of  Lord  High 
Chancellor  to  Augustus.  Ed.  Dubl. 


216 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


to  these  tablets.”  Should  one  say,  “ I will  endeavor  at 
it :”  “ If  you  will,  you  can,”  adds  he  ; and  is  more  earnest. 
The  seventh  year  approaching  to  the  eighth  is  now  elapsed, 
from  the  time  that  Maecenas  began  to  reckon  me  in  the  num- 
ber of  his  friends ; only  thus  far,  as  one  he  would  like  to  take 
along  with  him  in  his  chariot,  when  he  went  a journey,  and 
to  whom  he  would  trust  such  kind  of  trifles  as  these  : “ What 
is  the  hour  ?”  “ Is  Gallina,  the  Thracian,  a match  for  [the 

gladiator]  Syrus?”  “The  cold  morning  air  begins  to  pinch 
those  that  are  ill  provided  against  it ;” — and  such  things  as 
are  well  enough  intrusted  to  a leaky  ear.  For  all  this  time, 
every  day  and  hour,  I have  been  more  subjected  to  envy. 
Our  son  of  fortune  here,  says  every  body,  witnessed  the 
shows  in  company  with  [Maecenas],  and  played  with  him  in 
the  Campus  Martius.”  Does  any  disheartening  report  spread 
from  the  rostrum  through  the  streets,  whoever  comes  in  my 
way  cousults  me  [concerning  it]  : “ Good  sir,  have  you  (for 
you  must  know,  since  you  approach  nearer  the  gods)  heard 
any  thing  relating  to  the  Dacians  ?”85  “ Nothing  at  all  for 

my  part,”  [I  reply].  “ How  you  ever  are  a sneerer  !”  “ But 

may  all  the  gods  torture  me,  if  I know  any  thing  of  the  mat- 
ter.” u What  ? will  Caesar  give  the  lands85  he  promised  the 
soldiers,  in  Sicily,  or  in  Italy  ?”  As  I am  swearing  I know 
nothing  about  it,  they  wonder  at  me,  [thinking]  me,  to  be 
sure,  a creature  of  profound  and  extraordinary  secrecy. 

Among  things  of  this  nature  the  day  is  wasted  by  mg’, 
mortified  as  I am,  not  without  such  wishes  as  these  : O rural 
retirement,  when  shall  I behold  thee  ? and  when  shall  it  be 

85  The  Dacians  had  engaged  in  Antony’s  army  at  the  battle  of  Actium, 
in  123,  and  Octavius  had  disobliged  them  by  refusing  some  favors  which 
they  demanded  by  their  embassadors.  He  was  obliged  to  send  Marcus 
Crassus  against  them  the  year  following.  San. 

86  Octavius  promised  the  soldiers  who  had  served  under  him  in  re- 
ducing Sicily,  that  he  would  divide  some  of  the  conquered  lands  among 
them.  But  the  war  in  which  he  was  engaged  against  Antony  obliged 
him  to  defer  the  division,  and  immediately  after  the  battle  of  Actium, 
the  troops,  which  he  had  sent  to  Brundusium,  mutinied  on  this  occasion. 
He  went  himself  to  stop  the  beginning  of  a revolt,  which  might  have 
been  attended  with  most  dangerous  consequences.  This  affair  was  all 
the  news  at  Rome  when  our  poet  wrote  the  present  Satire. 

Sicily  was  called  Triquetra  from  its  triangular  figure,  and  in  somo 
ancient  coins  it  is  represented  under  the  figure  of  a woman  with  three 
legs.  Dac.  San. 


SAT.  VI. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


217 


in  my  power  to  pass  through  the  pleasing  oblivion  of  a life 
full  of  solicitude,  one  while  with  the  books  of  the  ancients, 
another  while  in  sleep  and  leisure  ? O when  shall  the  bean 
related  to  Pythagoras,87  and  at  the  same  time  herbs  well  larded 
with  fat  bacon,  be  set  before  me  ? O evenings,  aad  suppers 
fit  for  gods  ! with  which  I and  my  friends  regale  ourselves  in 
the  presence  of  my  household  gods  ; and  feed  my  saucy  slaves 
with  viands,  of  which  libations  have  been  made.  The  guest, 
according  to  every  one’s  inclination,  takes  off  the  glasses  of 
different  sizes,  free  from  mad  laws  : whether  one  of  a strong 
constitution  chooses  hearty  bumpers  ; or  another  more  joyously 
gets  mellow  with  moderate  ones.  Then  conversation  arises, 
not  concerning  other  people’s  villas  and  houses,  nor  whether 
Lepos  dances  well  or  not ; but  we  debate  on  what  is  more  to 
our  purpose,  and  what  it  is  pernicious  not  to  know — whether 
men  are  made  happier  by  riches  or  by  virtue  ; or  what  leads 
us  into  intimacies,  interest  or  moral  rectitude  ; and  what  is 
the  nature  of  good,  and  what  its  perfection.  Meanwhile,  my 
neighbor  Cervius  prates  away  old  stories  relative  to  the  sub- 
ject. For,  if  any  one  ignorantly  commends  the  troublesome 
riches  of  Aurelius,  he  thus  begins  : “ On  a time  a country- 
mouse  is  reported  to  have  received  a city-mouse  into  his  poor 
cave,  an  old  host,  his  old  acquaintance  ; a blunt  fellow  and  at- 
tentive to  his  acquisitions,  yet  so  as  he  could  [on  occasion] 
enlarge  his  narrow  soul  in  acts  of  hospitality.  What  need  of 
many  words  ? He  neither  grudged  him  the  hoarded  vetches, 
nor  the  long  oats  ; and  bringing  in  his  mouth  a dry  plum,  and 
nibbled  scraps  of  bacon,  presented  them  to  him,  being  desir- 
ous by  the  variety  of  the  supper  to  get  the  better  of  the  dainti- 
ness of  his  guest,  who  hardly  touched  with  his  delicate  tooth 
the  several  things  : while  the  father  of  the  family  himself,  ex- 
tended on  fresh  straw,  ate  a spelt  and  darnel,  leaving  that 
which  was  better  [for  his  guest].  At  length  the  citizen  ad- 
dressing him,  4 Friend,’  says  he,  ‘ what  delight  have  you  to  live 
laboriously  on  the  ridge  of  a rugged  thicket  ? Will  you  not 

87  It  was  one  of  Pythagoras’  precepts,  that  beans  should  not  be  used 
as  food  by  any  of  his  disciples,  lest  in  the  course  of  transformation  the 
soul  of  some  relative  should  be  placed  therein,  and  thus  the  impiety  (as 
Lucian,  Micyll.,  represents  it)  be  as  great  as  that  of  eating  human  flesh. 
Hence  Horace  humorously  calls  the  bean  “ Pythagorae  cognata.”  There 
are  various  reasons  assigned  for  the  origin  of  this  precept.  M‘Caul. 

10 


218 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL 


prefer  men  and  the  city  to  the  savage  woods  ? Take  my  ad- 
vice, and  go  along  with  me : since  mortal  lives  are  allotted  to 
all  terrestrial  animals,  nor  is  there  any  escape  from  death, 
either  for  the  great  or  the  small.  Wherefore,  my  good  friend, 
while  it  is  in  your  power,  live  happy  in  joyous  circumstances  : 
live  mindful  of  how  brief  an  existence  you  are.’  Soon  as 
these  speeches  had  wrought  upon  the  peasant,  he  leaps  nimbly 
from  his  cave  : thence  they  both  pursue  their  intended  journey, 
being  desirous  to  steal  under  the  city  walls  by  night.  And 
now  the  night  possessed  the  middle  region  of  the  heavens, 
when  each  of  them  set  foot  in  a gorgeous  palace,  where  car- 
pets dyed  with  crimson  grain  glittered  upon  ivory  couches, 
and  many  baskets  of  a magnificent  entertainment  remained, 
which  had  yesterday  been  set  by  in  baskets  piled  upon  one 
another.  After  he  had  placed  the  peasant  then,  stretched  at 
ease,  upon  a splendid  carpet ; he  bustles  about  like  an  adroit 
host,  and  keeps  bringing  up  one  dish  close  upon  another,  and 
with  an  affected  civility  performs  all  the  ceremonies,  first 
tasting  of  every  thing  he  serves  up.  He,  reclined,  rejoices  in 
the  change  of  his  situation,  and  acts  the  part  of  a boon  com- 
panion in  the  good  cheer:  when  on  a sudden  a prodigious 
rattling  of  the  folding  doors  shook  them  both  from  their 
couches.  Terrified  they  began  to  scamper  all  about  the  room, 
and  more  and  more  heartless  to  be  in  confusion,  while  the 
lofty  house  resounded  with  [the  barking  of]  mastiff  dogs; 
upon  which,  says  the  country-mouse,  ‘ I have  no  desire  for 
a life  like  this  ; and  so  farewell : my  wood  and  cave,  secure 
from  surprises,  shall  with  homely  tares  comfort  me.’  ” 


SATIRE  VII. 

One  of  Horace's  slaves,  making  use  of  that  freedom  which  was  allowed  them 
at  the  Saturnalia, 88  rates  his  master  in  a droll  and  severe  manner. 

I have  a long  while  been  attending  [to  you],  and  would  fain 
speak  a few  words  [in  return ; but,  being]  a slave,  I am 

88  The  particular  design  of  the  Saturnalia  was  to  represent  that  equality, 
which  reigned  among  mankind  in  the  reign  of  Saturn,  when  they  lived 
according  to  the  laws  of  nature,  without  distinction  of  conditions.  Horace 
here  introduces  a slave,  asserting  that  a wise  man  alone  is  free,  and  that 


sa*.  vn. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


219 


afraid.  What,  Davus  ? Yes,  Davus,  a faithful  servant  to  his 
master89  and  an  honest  one,  at  least  sufficiently  so  : that  is, 
for  you  to  think  his  life  in  no  danger.  Well  (since  our  an- 
cestors would  have  it  so),  use  the  freedom  of  December : 
speak  on. 

One  part  of  mankind  are  fond  of  their  vices  with  some  con- 
stancy and  adhere  to  their  purpose  : a considerable  part  fluc- 
tuates ; one  while  embracing  the  right,  another  while  liable 
to  depravity.  Priscus,  frequently  observed  with  three  rings, 
sometimes  with  his  left  hand  bare,90  lived  so  irregularly  that 
he  would  change  his  robe  every  hour ; from  a magnificent 
edifice,  he  would  on  a sudden  hide  himself  in  a place,  whence 
a decent  freedman  could  scarcely  come  out  in  a decent  man- 
ner ; one  while  he  would  choose  to  lead  the  life  of  a rake  at 
Rome,  another  while  that  of  a teacher  at  Athens  ; born  under 
the  evil  influence  of  every  Vertumnus.91  That  buffoon,  Vo- 
lanerius,  when  the  deserved  gout  had  crippled  his  fingers, 
maintained  [a  fellow]  that  he  had  hired  at  a daily  price,  who 
took  up  the  dice  and  put  them  into  a box  for  him  : yet  by 
how  much  more  constant  was  he  in  his  vice,  by  so  much  less 
wretched  was  he  than  the  former  person,  who  is  now  in  diffi- 
culties by  too  loose,  now  by  too  tight  a rein. 

“ Will  you  not  tell  to-day,  you  varlet,  whither  such  wretched 
stuff  as  this  tends  ?”  “ Why,  to  you,  I say.”  “ In  what  re^ 

spect  to  me,  scoundrel?”  “You  praise  the  happiness  and 
manners  of  the  ancient  [Roman]  people  ; and  yet,  if  any  god 
were  on  a sudden  to  reduce  you  to  them,  you,  the  same  man, 

real  liberty  consists  in  not  obeying  our  passions,  or  being  enslaved  to  vice. 
He  boldly  reproaches  his  master  with  his  faults  and  follies.  His  reason- 
ing is  so  natural,  sensible,  and  pressing,  that  Horace,  not  being  able  to 
answer  him,  at  last  loses  his  temper,  and  is  obliged  to  make  use  of  men- 
aces to  silence  him.  Dac.  San. 

89  Frugi  quod  sit  satis ; hoc  est.  The  common  people  have  always 
imagined  that  persons  of  eminent  merit  do  not  live  so  long  as  others. 
From  thence  the  proverb,  “ Too  witty  to  live  long.”  Torr. 

90  Lcevd  Priscus  inani.  Before  the  time  of  Horace  it  was  infamous  to 
wear  more  than  one  ring,  and  when  they  began  to  wear  more,  they  car- 
ried them  only  on  the  left  hand,  which  was  less  exposed  to  public  view, 
as  if  they  would  seem  ashamed  of  such  marks  of  effeminacy.  Bond. 

91  Vertumnis  natis  iniquis.  Vertumnus  presided  over  the  regular  sea- 
sons of  the  year,  established  by  the  laws  of  nature.  Priscus  was  there- 
fore born  in  despite  of  the  god,  because  all  his  changes  were  an  effect  of 
oddness  and  whim.  Horace  multiplies  this  god,  Vertumni , from  the  dif- 
ferent forms  under  which  he  was  represented.  Bond.  San. 


220 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL 


would  earnestly  beg  to  be  excused ; either  because  you  are 
not  really  of  opinion  that  what  you  bawl  about  is  right ; or 
because  you  are  irresolute  in  defending  the  right,  and  hesi- 
tate, in  vain  desirous  to  extract  your  foot  from  the  mire.  At 
Rome,  you  long  for  the  country  ; when  you  are  in  the  coun- 
try, fickle,  you  extol  the  absent  city  to  the  skies.  If  haply 
you  are  invited  out  nowhere  to  supper,  you  praise  your  quiet 
dish  of  vegetables  ; and  as  if  you  ever  go  abroad  upon  com- 
pulsion, you  think  yourself  so  happy,  and  do  so  hug  yourself, 
that  you  are  obliged  to  drink  out  nowhere.  Should  Maecenas 
lay  his  commands  on  you  to  come  late,  at  the  first  lighting 
up  of  the  lamps,  as  his  guest ; ‘ Will  nobody  bring  the  oil 
with  more  expedition  ? Does  any  body  hear  V You  stutter 
with  a mighty  bellowing,  and  storm  with  rage.  Milvius,  and 
the  buffoons  [who  expected  to  sup  with  you],  depart,  after 
having  uttered  curses  not  proper  to  be  repeated.  Any  one 
may  say,  for  I own  [the  truth],  that  I am  easy  to  be  seduced 
by  my  appetite ; I snuff  up  my  nose  at  a savory  smell : I am 
weak,  lazy ; and,  if  you  have  a mind  to  add  any  thing  else,  I 
am  a sot.  But  seeing  you  are  as  I am,  and  perhaps  something 
worse,  why  do  you  willfully  call  me  to  an  account,  as  if  you 
were  the  better  man ; and,  with  specious  phrases,  disguise 
your  own  vice  ? What,  if  you  are  found  out  to  be  a greater 
fool  than  me,  who  was  purchased  for  five  hundred  drachmas  ? 
Forbear  to  terrify  me  with  your  looks ; restrain  your  hand 
and  your  anger,  while  I relate  to  you  what  Crispinus’  porter 
taught  me. 

“ Another  man’s  wife  captivates  you ; a harlot,  Davus : 
which  of  us  sins  more  deservingly  of  the  cross  ? When  keen 
nature  inflames  me,  any  common  wench  that  picks  me  up, 
dismisses  me  neither  dishonored,  nor  caring  whether  a richer 
or  a handsomer  man  enjoys  her  next.  You,  when  you  have 
cast  off  your  ensigns  of  dignity,  your  equestrian  ring  and 
your  Roman  habit,  turn  out  from  a magistrate  a wretched 
Dama,92  hiding  with  a cape  your  perfumed  head  : are  you  not 
really  what  you  personate  ? You  are  introduced,  apprehensive 

92  Davus  calls  his  master  a judge,  because  Augustus  had  granted  him 
the  privilege  of  wearing  a ring  and  a robe,  called  Angusticlavium.  Thus 
he  was  in  some  measure  incorporated  into  the  body  of  Roman  knights, 
whom  Augustus  appointed  to  determine  civil  causes.  Dac.  by  “Dama” 
he  means  a mere  slave. 


SAT.  VII. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


221 


[of  consequences]  ; and,  as  you  are  altercating  with  your 
passions,  your  bones  shake  with  fear.  What  is  the  difference 
whether  you  go  condemned  [like  a gladiator],  to  be  galled 
with  scourges,93  or  slain  with  the  sword  ; or  be  closed  up  in  a 
filthy  chest,  where  [the  maid],  conscious  of  her  mistress’  crime, 
lias  stowed  you  ? Has  not  the  husband  of  the  offending  dame 
a just  power  over  both  ; against  the  seducer  even  a juster  ? 
But  she  neither  changes  her  dress,  nor  place,  nor  sins  to 
that  excess  [which  you  do]  ; since  the  woman  is  in  dread  of 
you,  nor  gives  any  credit  to  you,  though  you  profess  to  love 
her.  You  must  go  under  the  yoke  knowingly,  and  put  all 
your  fortune,  your  life,  and  reputation,  together  with  your 
limbs,  into  the  power  of  an  enraged  husband.  Have  you 
escaped  ? I suppose,  then,  you  will  be  afraid  [for  the  future]  ; 
and,  being  warned,  will  be  cautious.  No,  you  will  seek  occa- 
sion when  you  may  be  again  in  terror,  and  again  may  be  like- 
ly to  perish.  O so  often  a slave  ! What  beast,  when  it  has 
once  escaped  by  breaking  its  toils,  absurdly  trusts  itself  to 
them  again  ? You  say,  “ I am  no  adulterer.”  Nor,  by  Her- 
cules, am  I a thief,  when  I wisely  pass  by  the  silver  vases. 
Take  away  the  danger,  and  vagrant  nature  will  spring  forth, 
when  restraints  are  removed.  Are  you  my  superior,  subject- 
ed as  you  are,  to  the  dominion  of  so  many  things  and  per- 
sons,, whom  the  praetor’s  rod,94  though  placed  on  your  head 
three  or  four  times  over,  can  never  free  from  this  wretched  so- 
licitude ? Add,  to  what  has  been  said  above,  a thing  of  no 
less  weight ; whether  he  be  an  underling,9 & who  obeys  the 
master-slave  (as  it  is  your  custom  to  affirm),  or  only  a fellow*- 
slave,  what  am  I in  respect  of  you?  You,  for  example,  who 
have  the  command  of  me,  are  in  subjection  to  other  things,  and 
are  led  about,  like  a puppet  movable  by  means  of  wires  not  its 
own. 

93  TJri  virgin.  The  people  who  sold  themselves  to  a master  of  gladia- 
tors, engaged  in  a form  or  bond,  called  auctoramentum,  to  suffer  every 
thing,  sword,  fire,  whips,  chains,  and  death.  They  were  then  received 
into  the  profession,  and  styled  auctorati.  From  thence  the  terms  came 
to  be  used  for  all  kinds  of  infamous  engagements.  Torr. 

91  Vindida  was  a rod,  which  the  lictor  laid  on  the  head  of  a person 
whom  the  prsetor  made  free.  Plautus  calls  it  festuca. 

95  Nam  sive  vicarius.  The  Romans  generally  had  a master-slave  in 
every  family,  servus  atriensis , and  all  other  slaves  were  called  by  one 
common  name,  vicarii.  The  first,  who  commands,  is  not  less  a slave 
than  those  who  obey.  San. 


222 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


“ Who  then  is  free  ? The  wise  man,  who  has  dominion 
over  himself;  whom  neither  poverty,  nor  death,  nor  chains 
affright ; brave  in  the  checking  of  his  appetites,  and  in  con- 
temning honors ; and,  perfect  in  himself,  polished  and  round 
as  a globe,96  so  that  nothing  from  without  can  retard,  in  con- 
sequence of  its  smoothness ; against  whom  misfortune  ever  ad- 
vances ineffectually.  Can  you,  out  of  these,  recognize  any 
thing  applicable  to  yourself  ? A woman  demands  five  talents 
of  you,  plagues  you,  and  after  you  are  turned  out  of  doors, 
bedews  you  with  cold  water  : she  calls  you  again.  Rescue 
your  neck  from  this  vile  yoke ; come,  say,  I am  free,  I am 
free.  You  are  not  able : for  an  implacable  master  oppresses 
your  mind,  and  claps  the  sharp  spurs  to  your  jaded  appetite, 
and  forces  you  on  though  reluctant.  When  you,  mad  one, 
quite  languish  at  a picture  by  Pausias  ;97  how  are  you  less  to 
blame  than  I,  when  I admire  the  combats  of  Fulvius  and 
Rutuba  and  Placideianus,  with  their  bended  knees,  painted  in 
crayons98  or  charcoal,  as  if  the  men  were  actually  engaged, 
and  push  and  parry,  movingt  heir  weapons  ? Davus  is  a 
scoundrel  and  a loiterer ; but  you  have  the  character  of  an 
exquisite  and  expert  connoisseur  in  antiquities.  If  I am  al- 
lured by  a smoking  pasty,  I am  a good-for-nothing  fellow  : 
does  your  great  virtue  and  soul  resist  delicate  entertainments  ? 
Why  is  a tenderness  for  my  belly  too  destructive  for  me  ? For 
my  back  pays  for  it.  How  do  you  come  off  with  more  im- 
punity, since  you  hanker  after  such  dainties  as  can  not  be  had 
for  a little  expense  ? Then  those  delicacies,  perpetually  taken, 
pall  upon  the  stomach  ; and  your  mistaken  feet  refuse  to  sup- 
port your  sickly  body.  Is  that  boy  guilty,  who  by  night 
pawns  a stolen  scraper  for  some  grapes  ? Has  he  nothing  ser- 
vile about  him,  who  in  indulgence  to  his  guts  sells  his  estates  ? 
Add  to  this,  that  you  yourself  can  not  be  an  hour  by  yourself, 
nor  dispose  of  your  leisure  in  a right  manner  ; and  shun  your- 
self as  a fugitive  and  vagabond,  one  while  endeavoring  with 

95  Teres  atque  rotundus.  The  metaphor  is  taken  from  a globe,  and  our 
vices  are  those  inequalities  which  stop  us  in  our  course  of  virtue.  Ed.  Dubl. 

97  Pausias  was  a famous  flower-painter.  Lucullus  gave  a thousand 
crowns  for  a picture,  in  which  he  drew  his  mistress  Glycera  sitting,  and 
making  a wreath  of  flowers.  He  was  a cotemporary  of  Apelles.  Ed.  Dubl. 

93  Masters  of  gladiators  hung  the  pictures  of  their  best  champions, 
such  as  Fulvius,  Rutuba,  or  Placideianus,  at  the  door  of  the  house  where 
they  fought.  Ed.  Dubl. 


SAT.  VIIT. 


SATIRES  OP  HORACE. 


223 


wine,  another  while  with  «leep,  to  cheat  care — in  vain  : for  the 
gloomy  companion  presses  upon  you,  and  pursues  you  in  your 

flight. 

“ Where  can  I get  a stone  ?”  “ What  occasion  is  there  for 

it  ?”  “ Where  some  darts  ?”  u The  man  is  either  mad,  or 

making  verses.”  “ If  you  do  not  take  yourself  away  in  an* in- 
stant, you  shall  go  [and  make]  a ninth  laborer"  at  my  Sabine 
estate.” 


SATIRE  VHI. 

A smart  description  of  a miser  ridiculously  acting  the  extravagant 

How  did  the  entertainment  of  that  happy  fellow  Nasidienus 
please  you  ? for  yesterday,  as  I was  seeking  to  make  you  my 
guest,  you  were  said  to  be  drinking  there  from  mid-day.100 
[It  pleased  me  so],  that  I never  was  happier  in  my  life.  Say 
(if  it  be  not  troublesome)  what  food  first  calmed  your  raging 
appetite. 

In  the  first  place,  there  was  a Lucanian  boar,  taken  when 
the  gentle  south  wind  blew,1  as  the  father  of  the  entertain- 
ment affirmed  ; around  it  sharp  rapes,  lettuces,  radishes ; such 
things  as  provoke  a languid  appetite ; skirrets,  anchovies, 
dregs  of  Coan  wine.  These  once  removed,  one  slave,  tucked 
high  with  a purple  cloth,2  wiped  the  maple  table,  and  a 
second  gathered  up  whatever  lay  useless,  and  whatever  could 
offend  the  guests  ;3  swarthy  Hydaspes  advances  like  an 

99  Accedes  opm'a.  Opera  for  servus.  Slaves  who  were  employed  in 
tilling  their  lands  were  generally  chained,  so  that  the  threat  was  enough 
to  alarm  Davus,  and  end  the  conversation.  Dac. 

100  Nasidienus,  to  give  himself  an  air  of  a rake,  dines  three  or  four 
hours  before  the  usual  time ; or  perhaps  Fundanius  would  insinuate  that 
this  was  too  solemn  a feast  for  vulgar  hours.  Ed.  Dubl. 

1 Either  by  buying  it  cheap,  or  keeping  it  too  long,  the  boar  was 
tainted ; but  our  host  would  insinuate  that  it  had  a particular  flavor, 
by  being  taken  when  the  wind  was  south,  which  made  it  delicate  and 
tender.  Ed.  Dubl. 

2 The  table  was  made  of  maple,  a cheap  and  common  wood ; but 
Nasidienus,  in  an  air  of  polite  extravagance,  makes  the  slaves  wipe  it 
with  a purple  napkin.  Dac. 

3 This  was  the  pretense,  that  nothing  might  offend  his  guests,  but 
his  design  was  that  nothing  might  be  lost.  Dac. 


224 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


Attic  maid  with  Ceres’  sacred  rites^  bearing  wines  of  Csecu- 
bum;  Alcon  brings  those  of  Chios,  undamaged  by  the  sea.4 
Here  the  master  [cries],  u Maecenas,  if  Alban  or  Falernian 
wine  delight  you  more  than  those  already  brought,  we  have 
both.” 

Ill-fated  riches ! But,  Fundanius,  I am  impatient  to  know, 
who  were  sharers  in  this  feast  where  you  fared  so  well. 

I was  highest,  and  next  me  was  Viscus  Thurinus,  and  be- 
low, if  I remember,  was  Varius;  with  Servilius  Balatro,  Vi- 
bidius,  whom  Maecenas  had  brought  along  with  him,  unbidden 
guests.  Above  [Nasidienus]  himself  was  Nomentanus,  below 
him  Porcius,  ridiculous  for  swallowing  whole  cakes  at  once. 
JSTomentanus  [was  present]  for  this  purpose,  that  if  any  thing 
should  chance  to  be  unobserved,  he  might  show  it  with  his 
pointing  finger.  For  the  other  company,  we,  I mean,  eat  [pro- 
miscuously] of  fowls,  oysters,  fish,  which  had  concealed  in 
them  a juice  far  different  from  the  known  : as  presently  ap- 
peared, when  he  reached  to  me  the  entrails  of  a plaice  and  of  a 
turbot,  such  as  had  never  been  tasted  before.  After  this  he  in- 
formed me  that  honey-apples  were  most  ruddy  when  gathered 
under  the  waning  moon.  What  difference  this  makes  you  will 
hear  best  from  himself.  Then  [says]  Vibidius  to  Balatio  ; “ If 
we  do  not  drink  to  his  cost,  we  shall  die  in  his  debt and  he 
calls  for  larger  tumblers.  A paleness  changed  the  countenance 
of  our  host,  who  fears  nothing  so  much  as  hard  drinkers : either 
because  they  are  more  freely  censorious ; or  because  heating 
wines  deafen  the  subtle  [judgment  of  the]  palate.  Vibidius 
and  Balatro,  all  following  their  example,  pour  whole  casks  into 
Alliphanians  ;5  the  guests  of  the  lowest  couch  did  no  hurt  to 
the  flagons.  A lamprey  is  brought  in,  extended  in  a dish,  in 
the  midst  of  floating  shrimps.  Whereupon,  “ This,”  says  the 
master,  “ was  caught  when  pregnant ; which,  after  having 
young,  would  have  been  less  delicate  in  its  flesh.”  For  these 
a sauce  is  mixed  up  ; with  oil  which  the  best  cellar  of  Venafrum 
pressed,  with  pickle  from  the  juices  of  the  Iberian  fish,  with 
wine  of  five  years  old,  but  produced  on  this  side  the  sea,  while 

4 It  was  customary  to  mix  sea- water  with  the  strong  wines  of  Greece  ; 
but 'Fundanius,  when  he  tells  us  that  the  wine  Alcon  carried  had  not 
a drop  of  water  in  it,  would  have  us  understand  that  this  wine  had  never 
crossed  the  seas,  and  that  it  was  an  Italian  wine  which  Nasidienus  recom- 
mended for  Chian.  Lamb. 

5 Large  cups,  so  called  from  Allifse,  a town  of  Samnium.  Schol. 


SAT.  VIII. 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


225 


it  is  boiling  (after  it  is  boiled,  the  Chian  wine  suits  it  so  well, 
that  no  other  does  better  than  it)  with  white  pepper,  and  vinegar 
which,  by  being  vitiated,  turned  sour  the  Methymnean  grape. 
I first  showed  the  way  to  stew  in  it  the  green  rockets  and  bit- 
ter elecampane  : Cur  till  us,  [to  stew  in  it]  the  sea-urchins  un- 
washed, as  being  better  than  the  pickle  which  the  sea  shell-fish 
yields. 

In  the  mean  time  the  suspended  tapestry  made  a heavy 
downfall  upon  the  dish,  bringing  along  with  it  more  black 
dust  than  the  north  wind  eve#raises  on  the  plains  of  Cam- 
pania. Having  been  fearful  of  something  worse,  as  soon  as 
we  perceive  there  was  no  danger,  we  rise  up.  Rufus,  hang- 
ing his  head,  began  to  weep,  as  if  his  son  had  come  to  an  un- 
timely death  : what  would  have  been  the  end,  had  not  the 
discreet  Nomentanus  thus  raised  his  friend ! “ Alas ! O for- 
tune, what  god  is  more  cruel  to  us  than  thou  ? How  dost 
thou  always  take  pleasure  in  sporting  with  human  affairs  !” 
Varius  could  scarcely  smother  a laugh  with  his  napkin.  Ba- 
latro,  sneering  at  every  thing,  observed : “ This  is  the  con- 
dition of  human  life,  and  therefore  a suitable  glory  will  never 
answer  your  labor.  Must  you  be  rent  and  tortured  with  all 
manner  of  anxiety,  that  I may  be  entertained  sumptuously ; 
lest  burned  bread,  lest  ill-seasoned  soup  should  be  set  before 
us;  that  all  your  slaves  should  wait,  properly  attired  and 
neat  ? Add,  besides,  these  accidents  ; if  the  hangings  should 
tumble  down,  as  just  now,  if  the  groom  slipping  with  his  foot 
should  break  a dish.  But  adversity  is  wont  to  disclose,  pros- 
perity to  conceal,  the  abilities  of  a host  as  well  as  of  a general.” 
To  this  Nasidienus : u May  the  gods  give  you  all  the  bless- 
ings, whatever  you  can  pray  for,  you  are  so  good  a man  and 
so  civil  a guest and  calls  for  his  sandals.6  Then  on  every 
couch  you  might  see  divided  whispers  buzzing  in  each  secret 
ear. 

I would  not  choose  to  have  seen  any  theatrical  entertain- 
ments sooner  than  these  things.  But  come,  recount  what 
you  laughed  at  next.  While  Vibidius  is  inquiring  of  the 
slaves,  whether  the  flagon  was  also  broken,7  because  cups”  were 

6 That  he  might  rise  from  table.  The  guests  laid  their  slippers  at  the 
end  of  the  bed  when  they  went  to  supper.  Tore. 

7 Yibidius  asks  whether  the  groom  had  broken  the  bottle  at  the  same 
time  that  he  broke  the  dish,  for  quoque  certainly  refers  to  patinam  lapsus 

10* 


226 


SATIRES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II 


not  brought  when  he  called  for  them ; and  while  a laugh  is 
continued  on  feigned  pretences,  Balatro  seconding  it ; you,  Nasi- 
dienus,  return  with  an  altered  countenance,  as  if  to  repair  your 
ill-fortune  by  art.  Then  followed  the  slaves,  bearing  on  a large 
charger  the  several  limbs  of  a crane  besprinkled  with  much 
salt,  not  without  flour,  and  the  liver  of  a white  goose  fed  with 
fattening  figs,  and  the  wings  of  hares  torn  off,  as  a much  dain- 
tier dish  than  if  one  eats  them  with  the  loins.  Then  we  saw 
blackbirds  also  set  before  us  with  scorched  breasts,  and  ring- 
doves without  the  rumps : delicftms  morsels ! did  not  the  master 
give  us  the  history  of  their  causes  and  natures  : whom  we  in 
revenge  fled  from,  so  as  to  taste  nothing  at  all ; as  if  Canidia, 
more  venomous  than  African  serpents,  had  poisoned  them  with 
her  breath. 

frangat  agaso.  He  seems  to  insinuate  that  Nasidienus  had  given  orders 
to  his  slaves  not  to  be  in  too  much  haste  to  supply  the  guests  with  wine, 
but  to  let  them  call  for  it  more  than  once.  Cruq.  Dao. 


THE  FIRST  BOOK 


OF  THE 

EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


EPISTLE  I. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

The  poet  renounces  all  verses  of  a ludicrous  turn , and  resolves  to  apply  him- 
self wholly  to  the  study  of  philosophy,  which  teaches  to  bridle  the  desires 

and  to  postpone  every  thing  to  virtue. 

Maecenas,  the  subject  of  my  earliest  song,  justly  entitled  to 
my  latest,  dost  thou  seek  to  engage  me  again  in  the  old  lists,1 2 
having  been  tried  sufficiently,  and  now  presented  with  the 
foils  V My  age  is  not  the  same,  nor  is  my  genius.  Yeianius, 
his  arms  consecrated  on  a pillar  of  Hercules’  temple,3  lives 
snugly  retired  in  the  country,  that  he  may  not  form  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  sandy  amphitheater  so  often  supplicate  the 
poople’s  favor.4  Some  one  seems  frequently  to  ring  in  my 

1 Horace  began  to  write  at  about  four-and-twenty  years  of  age,  and  he 
is  now  past  fifty,  which  he  expresses  by  antiquo  ludo , in  allusion  to  the 
schools,  where  the  gladiators  performed  their  exercises.  Mens  may  be 
understood  either  for  a poetical  genius,  or  an  inclination  to  poetry. 
San.  Dac. 

2 Donatum  jam  rude.  The  poet  compares  himself  with  a gladiator ; 
hence  the  use  here  of  the  terms  of  that  art.  A gladiator,  who  had  been 
relieved  from  the  necessity  of  appearing  before  the  public — who  had  re- 
ceived his  discharge — is  said  to  be  donatus  rude , and  called  rudiarius. 
The  rudis  with  which  he  was  presented,  as  an  emblem  of  freedom,  was 
a rod,  or  wooden  sword.  M‘Caul. 

3 After  Hercules  had  wandered  through  the  world-destroying  monsters, 
he  was  received  by  Greece  and  Italy  among  the  gods  who  presided  over 
athletic  exercises.  There  was  generally  a temple  of  this  god  near  their 
amphitheaters,  in  which  the  ceremonies  of  receiving  a new  gladiator 
into  the  company  were  performed.  From  thence  the  custom  of  conse- 
crating their  arms  to  Hercules.  Fran. 

4 Horace  would  authorize  his  resolution  of  writing  no  more,  by  the 


228 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


purified  ear : “ Wisely  in  time  dismiss  the  aged  courser,  lest, 
an  object  of  derision,  he  miscarry  at  last,  and  break  his  wind.” 
Now  therefore  I lay  aside  both  verses,  and  all  other  sportive 
matters;  my  study  and  inquiry  is  after  what  is  true  and 
fitting,  and  I am  wholly  engaged  in  this  : I lay  up,  and  collect 
rules  which  I may  be  able  hereafter  to  bring  into  use.  And 
lest  you  should  perchance  ask  under  what  leader,  in  what 
house  [of  philosophy],  I enter  myself  a pupil  : addicted  to 
swear  implicitly  to  the  ipse-dixits5  of  no  particular  master, 
wherever  the  weather  drives  me,  I am  carried  a guest.  One 
while  I become  active,  and  am  plunged  in  the  waves  of  state 
affairs,  a maintainer  and  a rigid  partisan  of  strict  virtue  ; then 
again  I relapse  insensibly  into  Aristippus’  maxims,6  and  en- 
deavor to  adapt  circumstances  to  myself,  not  myself  to  cir- 
cumstances.  As  the  night  seems  long  to  those  with  whom  a 
mistress  has  broken  her  appointment,  and  the  day  slow  to 
those  who  owe  their  labor;  as  the  year  moves  lazy  with 
minors,  whom  the  harsh  guardianship  of  their  mothers  con- 
fines; so  all  that  time  to  me  flows  tedious  and  distasteful, 
which  delays  my  hope  and  design  of  strenuously  executing 
that  which  is  of  equal  benefit  to  the  poor  and  to  the  rich, 
which  neglected  will  be  of  equal  detriment  to  young  and  tc 
old.  It  remains,  that  I conduct  and  comfort  myself  by  these 

example  of  Yeianius,  who,  having  often  fought  with  success,  was  now 
retired  into  the  country,  determined  never  to  expose  himself  on  the  stage 
again ; for  if  a gladiator,  who  had  obtained  his  discharge,  ever  engaged 
a second  time,  he  was  obliged  to  have  a second  dismission,  and  going  to 
the  end  of  the  stage,  extrema  arena , implored  the  people  to  give  him  his 
freedom.  Cruq. 

5 Jurare  in  verba  magisiri.  Similarly,  Epod.  15,  in  verba  jurant  mea. 
Soldiers  jurabant  in  verba  imperatoris , when  entering  on  service;  whence 
some  think  Horace  alludes  to  this ; others  suppose  the  reference  is  to  the 
great  respect  paid  to  Pythagoras  by  his  disciples,  so  that  the  words  ipse 
dixit  were  sufficient  to  decide  any  question.  M‘Caul. 

6 This  naturally  follows  the  three  preceding  lines.  Horace  could  not 
long  be  reconciled  to  the  two  former  systems ; one  required  too  much 
action,  the  other  too  much  severity ; and  neither  of  them  was  agreeable 
to  his  inclination.  The  morals  of  Aristippus,  who  founded  the  Epicurean 
sect,  were  more  to  his  taste ; but  as  thib  philosophy  was  very  severely 
treated  by  the  Stoics  and  Cynics,  the  poet  pleasantly  says,  he  was  obliged 
with  privacy,  furtim,  to  follow  its  doctrines.  San. 

Horace,  by  the  word  furtim , might  probably  mean,  that  he  did  not 
pass,  at  once,  from  the  sentiments  of  Zeno  to  those  of  Aristippus,  as  it 
were  from  one  extreme  to  another,  but  by  degrees,  and  insensibly.  Dac. 
This  latter  view  is  correct.  Ed.  Dubl. 


EP.  I. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


229 


principles : your  sight  is  not  so  piercing  as  that  of  Lynceus ; 
you  will  not  however  therefore  despise  being  anointed,  if  you 
are  sore-eyed  : nor  because  you  despair  of  the  muscles  of  the 
invincible  Glycon,7  will  you  be  careless  of  preserving  your  body 
from  the  knotty  gout.  There  is  some  point  to  which  we  may 
reach,  if  we  can  go  no  further.  Does  your  heart  burn  with 
avarice,  and  a wretched  desire  of  more  ? Spells  there  are,  and 
incantations,  with  which  you  may  mitigate  this  pain,  and  . rid 
yourself  of  a great  part  of  the  distemper.  Do  you  swell  with 
the  love  of  praise  ? There  are  certain  purgations  which  can  re- 
store you,  a certain  treatise  being  perused  thrice  with  purity  of 
mind.  The  envious,  the  choleric,  the  indolent,  the  slave  to 
wine,  to  women — none  is  so  savage  that  he  can  not  be  tamed,  if 
he  will  only  lend  a patient  ear  to  discipline. 

It  is  virtue,  to  fly  vice  ; and  the  highest  wisdom,  to  have 
lived  free  from  folly.  You  see  with  what  toil  of  mind  and 
body  you  avoid  those  things  which  you  believe  to  be  the 
greatest  evils,  a small  fortune  and  a shameful  repulse.  An 
active  merchant,  you  run  to  the  remotest  Indies,8  fleeing 
poverty  through  sea,  through  rocks,  through  flames.  And 
will  you  not  learn,  and  hear,  and  be  advised  by  one  who  is 
wiser,  that  you  may  no  longer  regard  those  things  which  you 
foolishly  admire  and  wish  for  ? What  little  champion  of  the 
villages  and  of  the  streets  would  scorn  being  crowned  at  the 
great  Olympic9  games,  who  had  the  hopes  and  happy  oppor- 

7 The  commentators  tell  us,  from  Diogenes  Laertius,  that  Glycon  was 
a philosopher  who  had  made  himself  famous  by  his  dexterity  and  skill  in 
athletic  exercises.  But  more  probably  the  poet  alluded  to  a statue, 
which  is  still  preserved  in  Rome,  and  of  which  Montfaucon  speaks  thus : 
Hercules  of  Farnese,  the  finest  of  all,  is  a master-piece  of  art.  It  is  the 
performance  of  Glycon  the  Athenian,  who  hath  immortalized  his  name 
by  putting  it  at  the  bottom  of  this  admirable  statue.  It  is  a common 
language  to  say  of  pictures  and  statues,  that  is  a Titian ; this  an  Apelles. 
Fran. 

8 Before  the  reduction  of  Egypt  and  Arabia,  the  passage  to  India  was 
unknown  to  the  Romans.  Strabo  tells  us  that  while  ^Elius  Gallus 
governed  Egypt,  in  the  year  '721,  a fleet  of  twenty-six  merchantmen  set 
sail  from  the  Red  Sea  for  India.  The  Romans,  attentive  to  their  in- 
terests, flattered  by  an  immense  profit  arising  from  this  trade,  and 
allured  by  the  rich  and  beautiful  merchandize  which  it  brought  home, 
applied  themselves  earnestly  to  this  commerce,  from  whence  the  poet 
reproaches  them  with  excessive  covetousness.  San. 

9 Horace,  in  imitation  of  Pindar,  calls  the  Olympic  games  “magnas” 
great,  because  they  were  the  most  famous  ot  all  that  were  celebrated  in 


230 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE, 


BOOK  1. 


tunity  of  victory  without  toil  ? Silver  is  less  valuable  than 
gold,  gold  than  virtue.  “ O citizens,  citizens,  money  is  to  be 
sought  first ; virtue  after  riches this  the  highest  Janus10 
from  the  lowest  inculcates ; young  men  and  old  repeat  these 
maxims,  having  their  bags  and  account-books  hung  on  the 
left  arm.  You  have  soul,  have  breeding,  have  eloquence  and 
honor : yet  if  six  or  seven  thousand  sesterces  be  wanting  to 
complete  your  four  hundred  thousand,  you  shall  be  a ple- 
beian.11 But  boys  at  play1*  cry,  “You  shall  be  king,  if  you 
will  do  right.”  Let  this  be  a [man’s]  brazen  wall,  to  be 
conscious  of  no  ill,  to  turn  pale  with  no  guilt.  Tell  me,  pray, 
is  the  Roscian  law  best,  or  the  boy’s  song  which  offers  the 
kingdom  to  them  that  do  right,  sung  by  the  manly  Curii  and 
Camilli  ? Does  he  advise  you  best,  who  says,  “ Make  a 
fortune ; a fortune,  if  you  can,  honestly ; if  not,  a fortune  by 
any  means” — that  you  may  view  from  a nearer  bench  the 
tear-moving  poems  of  Puppius : or  he,  who  still  animates  and 
enables  you  to  stand  free  and  upright,  a match  for  haughty 
fortune  ? 

If  now  perchance  the  Roman  people  should  ask  me,  why  I 
do  not  enjoy  the  same  sentiments  with  them,  as  [I  do  the 
same]  porticoes,  nor  pursue  or  fly  from  whatever  they  admire 
or  dislike ; I will  reply,  as  the  cautious  fox  once  answered  the 
sick  lion  : “ Because  the  foot-marks  all  looking  toward  you, 

Greece.  “ Coronari  Olympia”  may  he  considered  as  a Greek  phrase,  or 
we  may  understand  inter  or  ad.  “Yincere  Olympia”  is  foundJn  Ennius, 
and  “ qui  Pythia,  Isthmia,  Nemea,  Olympia  vicit,”  in  EestuJP  Tore. 

10  The  Latins  sometimes  gave  the  name  of  “Janus”  to  those  grand 
arcades  which  crossed  their  streets,  like  triumphal  arches,  and  under 
which  they  walked.  They  had  many  of  this  kind  in  the  different  streets 
of  Rome,  but  we  are  expressly  told  by  Livy,  that  there  were  three  in  the 
forum.  “Forum  portioibus  tabernisque  claudendum,  et  Janus  tres 
faciendos  locavere.”  Here  the  bankers,  merchants,  and  usurers  had 
their  shops.  San. 

11  Plebs  eris.  Horace  here  speaks  according  to  the  law  of  Roscius 
Otho,  by  which  a Roman  knight  was  to  be  possessed  of  four  hundred 
thousand  sesterces  (about  3,125 1.  of  our  money),  and  a senator,  of  eight 
hundred  thousand.  Augustus  afterward  raised  the  sum  to  twelve  hun- 
dred thousand.  A sesterce  is  here  computed  at  one  penny,  half-penny, 
farthing,  half-farthing  of  our  money.  Ed.  Dubl. 

!2fe  can  not  justly  say  what  this  game  was.  Torrentius,  with  much 
probability,  conjectures  that  it  was  the  Urania  of  the  Greeks,  in  which 
a ball  was  thrown  into  the  air,  and  the  boy  who  struck  it  oftenest,  be- 
fore it  fell  to  the  ground,  was  called  king  of  the  game.  Ed.  Dubl. 


EP.  L 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


231 


and  none  from  you,  affright  me.”  Thou  art  a monster  with 
many  heads.  For  what  shall  I follow,  or  whom  ? One  set  of 
men  delight  to  farm  the  public  revenues : there  are  some, 
who  would  inveigle  covetous  widows  with  sweet-meats  and 
fruits,  and  insnare  old  men,  whom  they  would  send  [like  fish] 
into  their  ponds : the  fortunes  of  many  grow  by  concealed 
usury.  But  be  it,  that  different  men  are  engaged  in  different 
employments  and  pursuits  : can  the  same  persons  continue  an 
hour  together  approving  the  same  things  ? If  the  man  of 
wealth  has  said,  u ISTo  bay  in  the  world  outshines  delightful 
Baiae,”  the  lake  and  the  sea  presently  feel  the  eagerness  of  their 
impetuous  master : to  whom,  if  a vicious  humor  gives  the 
omen,  [he  will  cry,] — “ to-morrow,  workmen,  ye  shall  convey 
hence  your  tools  to  Teanum,”  Has  he  in  his  hall  the  genial13 
bed  ? He  says  nothing  is  preferable  to,  nothing  better  than  a 
single  life.  If  he  has  not,  he  swears  the  married  only  are  hap- 
py. With  what  noose  can  I hold  this  Proteus,  varying  thus 
his  forms  ? What  does  the  poor  man  ? Laugh  [at  him  too]  : 
is  he  not  forever  changing  his  garrets,  beds,  baths,  barbers  ? 
He  is  as  much  surfeited  in  a hired  boat,  as  the  rich  man  is, 
whom  his  own  galley  conveys. 

If  I meet  you  with  my  hair  cut14  by  an  uneven  barber,  you 
laugh  [at  me] : if  I chance  to  have  a ragged  shirt  under  a 
handsome  coat,  or  if  my  disproportioned  gown  fits  me  ill,  you 
laugh.  What  [do  you  do],  when  my  judgment  contradicts 
itself?  it  despises  what  it  before  desired;  seeks  for  that 
which  lately  it  neglected ; is  all  in  a ferment,  and  is  incon- 
sistent in  the  whole  tenor  of  life ; pulls  down,  builds  up, 
changes  square  to  round.  In  this  case,  you  think  I am  mad 

13  The  nuptial  bed  was  consecrated  to  Genius,  the  god  of  nature,  who 
presided  over  the  birth  of  human  kind.  It  was  placed  in  the  “ aula,” 
or  “ atrium,”  the  hall,  where  the  statues  of  the  ancestors  of  the  family 
were  ranged,  and  where  the  women  generally  sat,  to  let  the  public  be 
witnesses  of  their  domestic  industry.  “ Matres  familias  vestrae  in  atriis 
operantur  domorum,  industrias  testificantes  suas.”  Arnobius.  Ed. 
Dublin. 

14  Curatus.  This  is  the  reading  of  all  the  manuscripts.  The  Romans 
used  “curare  capillos”  for  “tondere,  secare;”  “ cura”  and  “curatio 
capillorum”  for  “ capillorum  sectio”  and  “ tonsura.”  “ Curtatus,”  which 
hath  been  received  by  very  many  editors,  is  entirely  useless,  and  can  by 
no  means  agree  with  the  poet’s  thought.  He  is  not  ridiculous  because 
the  barber  hath  cut  his  hair  too  short,  but  because  he  hath  cut  it  un- 
equally, “ insequalis  tonsor.”  Bent.  Cun.  San. 


232 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


in  the  common  way,  and  you  do  not  laugh,  nor  believe  that  I 
stand  in  need  of  a physician,  or  of  a guardian  assigned  by  the 
praetor ; though  you  are  the  patron  of  my  affairs,  and  are  dis- 
gusted at  the  ill-paired  nail  of  a friend  that  depends  upon  you, 
that  reveres  you. 

In  a word,  the  wise  man  is  inferior  to  Jupiter  alone,  is  rich, 
free,  honorable,  handsome,  lastly,  king  of  kings ; above  all,  he 
is  sound,  unless  when  phlegm  is  troublesome.15 


EPISTLE  II. 

TO  LOLLIUS.16 

He  prefers  Homer  to  all  the  philosophers , as  a moral  writer , and 
advises  an  early  cultivation  of  virtue . 

While  you,  great  Lollius,  declaim  at  Rome,  I at  Praeneste 
have  perused  over  again  the  writer  of  the  Trojan  war ; who 
teaches  more  clearly,  and  better  than  Chrysippus  and  Crantor, 
what  is  honorable,  what  shameful,  what  profitable,  what  not 
so.  If  nothing  hinders  you,  hear  why  I have  thus  concluded. 
The  story  is  which,  on  account  of  Paris’s  intrigue,  Greece  is 
stated  to  be  wasted  in  a tedious  war  with  the  barbarians,  con- 
tains the  tumults  of  foolish  princes  and  people.  Antenor 
gives  his  opinion  for  cutting  oft*  the  cause  of  the  war.  What 
does  Paris  ? He  can  not  be  brought  to  comply,  [though  it  be 
in  order]  that  he  may  reign  safe,  and  live  happy.  Nestor 

15  This  ridicule  will  appear  in  a stronger  light  by  reading  a passage  of 
Epictetus,  which  hath  been  preserved  to  us  by  Arrian.  “ Can  there  be 
a providence,”  cries  an  Epicurean,  “or  could  it  suffer  this  continual 
defluxion  to  torment  me  thus?”  “Slave  as  thou  art,”  says  Epicurus, 
“ why  are  you  formed  with  hands?  Were  they  not  given  you  to  wipe 
your  nose?”  “Yes;  but  were  it  not  better,”  answers  the  disciple, 
“ that  there  was  no  such  thing  as  phlegm  in  the  world?”  “And  is  it 
not  better,”  replies  Epicurus,  “ to  wipe  your  nose,  than  deny  the  being 
of  providence  ?”  Fran. 

16  Lollius,  who  was  consul  in  the  year  736,  had  two  sons,  one  of  whom 
was  the  father  of  the  empress  Lollia  Paulina.  Horace  writes  this  epistle 
to  the  elder  brother,  Maxime  Lolli , and  while  he  directs  him  in  what 
manner  to  read  Homer,  he  gives  him  some  excellent  precepts  to  guard 
him  against  envy,  avarice,  debauchery,  and  anger.  Ed.  Dubl. 


EP.  IL 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


233 


labors  to  compose  the  differences  between  Achilles  and  Aga- 
memnon : love  inflames  one ; rage  both  in  common.  The 
Greeks  suffer  for  what  their  princes  act  foolishly.17  Within  the 
walls  of  Ilium,  and  without,  enormities  are  committed  by  sedi- 
tion, treachery,  injustice,  and  lust,  and  rage. 

Again,  to  show  what  virtue  and  what  wisdom  can  do,  he 
has  propounded  Ulysses  an  instructive  pattern : who,  having 
subdued  Troy,  wisely  got  an  insight  into  the  constitutions  and 
customs  of  many  nations  ; and,  while  for  himself  and  his  as- 
sociates he  is  contriving  a return,  endured  many  hardships  on 
the  spacious  sea,  not  to  be  sunk  by  all  the  waves  of  adversity. 
You  are  well  acquainted  with  the  songs  of  the  Sirens,  and 
Circe’s  cups : of  which,  if  he  had  foolishly  and  greedily  drunk 
along  with  his  attendants,  he  had  been  an  ignominious  and 
senseless  slave  under  the  command  of  a prostitute  : he  had 
lived  a filthy  dog,  or  a hog  delighting  in  mire. 

We  are  a mere  number  and  born  to  consume  the  fruits  of 
the  earth  ; like  Penelope’s  suitors,  useless  drones ; like  Alch 
nous’  youth,  employed  above  measure  in  pampering  their  bo- 
dies ; whose  glory  was  to  sleep  till  mid-day,  and  to  lull  their 
cares  to  rest  by  the  sound  of  the  harp.  Robbers  rise  by  night, 
that  they  may  cut  men’s  throats  ; and  will  not  you  awake  to 
save  yourself?  But,  if  you  will  not  when  you  are  in  health, 
you  will  be  forced  to  take  exercise  when  you  are  in  a dropsy  ; 
and  unless  before  day  you  call  for  a book  with  a light,  unless 
you  brace  your  mind  with  study  and  honest  employments,  you 
will  be  kept  awake  and  tormented  with  envy  or  with  love. 
For  why  do  you  hasten  to  remove  things  that  hurt  your  eyes, 
but  if  any  thing  gnaws  your  mind,  defer  the  time  of  curing  it 
from  year  to  year  ? He  has  half  the  deed  done,  who  has  made 
a beginning.  Boldly  undertake  the  study  of  true  wisdom : 
begin  it  forthwith.  He  who  postpones  the  hour  of  living  well, 
like  the  hind  [in  the  fable],  waits  till  [all  the  water  in]  the 
river  be  run  off:  whereas  it  flows,  and  will  flow,  ever  roll- 
ing on. 

Money  is  sought,  and  a wife  fruitful  in  bearing  children, 

17  The  people  suffer  for  the  folly  of  their  kings.  Thus  in  the  Iliad,  the 
dispute  between  Agamemnon  and  Achilles  causes  the  latter  to  withdraw 
himself  and  his  forces  from  taking  any  active  part  in  the  war,  and  the 
result  is  that  the  Grecians  are  routed  and  driven  within  their  entrench- 
ments by  the  Trojans.  M‘Caul 


234 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


and  wild  woodlands  are  reclaimed  by  the  plow.  [To  what 
end  all  this  ?]  He,  that  has  got  a competency,  let  him  wish 
for  no  more.  Not  a house  and  farm,  nor  a heap  of  brass 
and  gold,  can  remove  fevers  from  the  body  of  their  sick  mas- 
ter, or  cares  from  his  mind.  The  possessor  must  be  well,  if 
he  thinks  of  enjoying  the  things  which  he  has  accumulated. 
To  him  that  is  a slave  to  desire  or  to  fear,  house  and  estate 
do  just  as  much  good  as  paintings  to  a sore-eyed  person,  fo- 
mentations to  the  gout,  music  to  ears  afflicted  with  collected 
matter.  Unless  the  vessel  be  sweet,  whatever  you  pour  into 
it  turns  sour.  Despise  pleasures : pleasure  bought  with  pain 
is  hurtful.  The  covetous  man  is  ever  in  want : set  a certain 
limit  to  your  wishes.  The  envious  person  wastes  at  the 
thriving  condition  of  another : Sicilian  tyrants18  never  in- 
vented a greater  torment  than  envy.  He  who  will  not  curb 
his  passion,  will  wish  that  undone  which  his  grief  and  resent- 
ment suggested,  wThile  he  violently  plies  his  revenge  with  un- 
sated rancor.  Rage  is  a short  madness.  Rule  your  passion, 
which  commands,  if  it  do  not  obey ; do  you  restrain  it  with  a 
bridle,  and  with  fetters.  The  groom  forms  the  docile  horse, 
while  his  neck  is  yet  tender,  to  go  the  way  which  his  rider 
directs  him : the  young  hound,  from  the  time  that  he  barked 
at  the  deer’s  skin  in  the  hall,  campaigns  it  in  the  woods.  Now, 
while  you  are  young,19  with  an  untainted  mind  imbibe  instruc- 
tion : now  apply  yourself  to  the  best  [masters  of  morality].  A 
cask  will  long  preserve  the  flavor,  with  which  when  new  it  was 
once  impregnated.  But  if  you  lag  behind,  or  vigorously  push 
on  before,80  I neither  wait  for  the  loiterer,  nor  strive  to  overtake 
those  that  precede  me. 

18  Such  as  Phalaris,  Agathocles,  and  the  Dionysii.  The  saying  was 
almost  proverbial.  Cf.  Cicer.  Acc.  5,  66,  “ Sicilia  tulit  quondam  multos 
et  crudeles  tyrannos.”  Orelli. 

19  These  expressions  of  sanus , puro  pectore , and  puer,  can  be  justly  ap- 
plied only  to  a youth.  The  younger  Lollius  went  with  Augustus  to  the 
war  of  Spain,  when  he  was  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  as  we  shall  find  in 
the  eighteenth  Epistle,  which  is  addressed  to  him.  San. 

20  If  you  will  run  the  race  of  wisdom  with  me,  let  us  run  together ; for 
if  you  either  stop,  or  endeavor  to  get  before  me,  I shall  neither  wait  for 
you,  nor  strive  to  overtake  you.  When  we  enter  the  lists  of  virtue,  to 
wait  for  those  behind  us  is  indolence ; too  earnestly  to  pursue  those  be- 
fore us  is  envy.  Tore.  Dac. 


EP.  III. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


235 


EPISTLE  III. 

TO  JULIUS  FLORUS.21 

After  inquiring  about  Claudius  Tiberius  Nero,  and  some  of  his  friends, 
he  exhorts  Florus  to  the  study  of  philosophy. 

I long  to  know,  Julius  Florus,  in  what  regions  of  the  earth. 
Claudius,  the  step-son  of  Augustus,  is  waging  war.  Do 
Thrace  and  Hebrus,  bound  with  icy  chains,  or  the  narrow 
sea  running  between  the  neighboring  towers,22  or  Asia’s 
fertile  plains  and  hills  detain  you  ? What  works  is  the  studi- 
ous train  planning  ? In  this  too  I am  anxious — who  takes 
upon  himself  to  write  the  military  achievements  of  Augus- 
tus ?23  Who  diffuses  into  distant  ages  his  deeds  in  war  and 
peace  ? What  is  Titius  about,  who  shortly  will  be  celebrated 
by  every  Roman  tongue  ; who  dreaded  not  to  drink  of  the 
Pindaric  spring,  daring  to  disdain  common  waters  and  open 
streams  : how  does  he  do  ? How  mindful  is  he  of  me  ? Does 
he  employ  himself  to  adapt  Theban  measures  to  the  Latin 
lyre,  under  the  direction  of  his  muse?  Or  does  he  storm 
and  swell24  in  the  pompous  style  of  tragic  art  ? What  is  my 
Celsus  doing  ? He  has  been  advised,  and  the  advice  is  still 
often  to  be  repeated,  to  acquire  stock  of  his  own,  and  forbear 
to  touch  whatever  writings  the  Palatine  Apollo  has  received : 

21  Florus  attended  Tiberius  in  his  Dalmatian  expedition.  This  prince 
continued  some  years  visiting  and  regulating  the  Eastern  provinces,  until 
he  had  orders  to  lead  his  troops  into  Armenia,  while  Augustus  proposed 
to  march  against  the  Parthians  through  Syria.  Our  poet  here  marks  the 
route  of  Tiberius  through  Thrace,  the  Hellespont,  and  Asia  Minor,  and 
thus  makes  his  epistle  a kind  of  public,  historical  monument.  We  may 
fix  the  date  of  this  epistle  in  the  year  '733.  San. 

22  Vicinas  inter  currentia  turres.  Musseus  names  two  cities,  Sestos 
and  Abydos,  on  the  opposite  shores  of  Europe  and  Asia. 

23  Quid  studiosa  cohors.  The  young  gentlemen  who  attended  Tiberius 
in  this  expedition,  at  once  to  form  his  court  and  to  guard  his  person, 
were  men  of  letters  and  genius,  from  whence  they  are  called  “studiosa 
cohors.”  Fran. 

24  i.  e.  use  a lofty  style,  more  or  less  prone  to  exaggeration.  The  phrase 
is  derived  from  the  saying  of  Aristophanes  concerning  the  prologues  of 
Euripides,  hrjuvdiov  dnuheve.  Ran.  1208.  Qrelli. 


236 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


lest,  if  it  chance  that  the  flock  of  birds  should  some  time  or 
other  come  to  demand  their  feathers,  he,  like  the  daw  stripped 
of  his  stolen  colors,  be  exposed  to  ridicule.  What  do  you 
yourself  undertake?  What  thyme  are  you  busy  hovering 
about  ? Your  genius  is  not  small,  is  not  uncultivated  nor  in- 
elegantly rough.  Whether  you  edge  your  tongue  for  [plead- 
ing] causes,25  or  whether  you  prepare  to  give  counsel  in  the 
civil  law,  or  whether  you  compose  some  lovely  poem;  you 
will  bear  off  the  first  prize  of  the  victorious  ivy.  If  now  you 
could  quit  the  cold  fomentations  of  care  ;26  whithersoever 
heavenly  wisdom  would  lead  you,  you  would  go.  Let  us,  both 
small  and  great,  push  forward  in  this  work,  in  this  pursuit : if  to 
our  country,  if  to  ourselves  we  would  live  dear. 

You  must  also  write  me  word  of  this,  whether  Munatius  is 
of  as  much  concern  to  you  as  he  ought  to  be  ? Or  whether  the 
ill-patched  reconciliation  in  vain  closes,  and  is  rent  asunder 
again  ? . But,  whether  hot  blood,  or  inexperience  in  things,  ex- 
asperates you,  wild  as  coursers  with  unsubdued  neck,  in  what- 
ever place  you  live,  too  worthy  to  break  the  fraternal  bond,27 
a devoted  heifer  is  feeding  against  your  return. 

25  Whether  you  form  your  eloquence  for  the  public  pleadings  at  the 
bar,  or  give  advice  and  counsel  to  your  clients.  Givica  jura  respondent 
paras , which  our  poet  in  another  place  expresses,  “Clientis  promero 
jura.”  Torr. 

25  The  commentator  thinks  that  ambition,  riches,  power,  were  those 
cold  remedies  that  Horace  means,  which  only  soothe,  not  allay  the  dis- 
temper. But,  since  he  has  not  mentioned  what  they  were,  we  can  only 
say  that  Florus  could  not  mistake  them,  and  consequently  must  have  felt 
the  moral  which  the  poet  draws  from  them.  Ed.  Duel. 

27  Fraternum  rumpere  fcedus.  This  does  not  say,  as  it  is  generally 
understood,  that  they  were  really  brothers,  but  that  they  lived  in  an  union 
such  as  ought  to  be  preserved  between  brothers.  There  was  not  at  this 
time  any  person  at  Rome  who  bore  the  name  of  Julius,  except  Augustus, 
whose  family  was  greatly  distinguished  from  that  of  Munatius;  nor  does 
it  appear  that  Munatius  ever  took  the  surname  of  Florus.  Mr.  Dacier 
imagines,  with  reason,  that  Florus  was  of  some  principal  family,  whom 
Julius  Caesar  permitted  to  take  his  name,  when  he  made  them  citizens 
of  Rome.  Tacitus  speaks  of  three  Julii  in  Gallia  Belgica  in  the  time 
of  Tiberius,  one  of  whom  was  called  Florus.  From  whence  it  is  not 
improbable  that  the  person  to  whom  this  letter  is  written,  was  of  that 
nation.  Rodellius.  San. 


fcp.  IV.  V. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


237 


EPISTLE  IV. 

TO  ALBIUS  TIBULLUS. 

He  declares  his  accomplishments ; and,  after  proposing  the  thought  of 
death,  converts  it  into  an  occasion  of  pleasantry. 

Albius,  thou  candid  critic  of  my  discourses,  what  shall  I say 
you  are  now  doing  in  the  country  about  Pedum  ? Writing 
what  may  excel  the  wrorks28  of  Cassius  Parmensis  ; or  saun- 
tering silently  among  the  healthful  groves,  concerning  your- 
self about  every  thing  worthy  a wise  and  good  man  ? You 
were  not  a body  without  a mind.  The  gods  have  given  you 
a beautiful  form,  the  gods  [liave  given]  you  wealth,  and  the 
faculty  of  enjoying  it. 

What  greater  blessing  could  a nurse  solicit  for  her  beloved 
child,  than  that  he  might  be  wise,  and  able  to  express  his 
sentiments  ; and  that  respect,  reputation,  health  might  happen 
to  him  in  abundance,  and  decent  living,  with  a never-failing 
purse  ? 

In  the  midst  of  hope  and  care,  in  the  midst  of  fears  and  dis- 
quietudes, think  every  day  that  shines  upon  you  is  the  last. 
[Thus]  the  hour,  which  shall  not  be  expected,  will  come  upon 
you  an  agreeable  addition. 

When  you  have  a mind  to  laugh,  you  shall  see  me  fat  and 
sleek  with  good  keeping,  a hog  of  Epicurus’  herd. 


EPISTLE  Y. 

TO  TORQUATUS. 

He  invites  him  to  a frugal  entertainment , hut  a cleanly  and  cheerful  one. 

If  you  can  repose  yourself  as  my  guest  upon  Archias’29 
couches,  and  are  not  afraid  to  make  a whole  meal  on  all  sorts 

28  Opuscula.  The  term  alludes  only  to  his  lesser  writings,  such  as  ele- 
gies, epigrams,  etc.  Thus  Pliny,  Epist.  viii.  21 : “Liber  fuit  et  opusculis 
varius  et  metris.”  The  other  interpretation  arose  from  the  confounding 
of  Cassius  Parmensis  with  Cassius  Etruscus.  Wheeler. 

29  Such  is  the  reading  of  all  the  manuscripts ; “ priscorum  quantum 


238 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


of  herbs  from  a moderate  dish  ; I will  expect  you,  Torquatus, 
at  my  house  about  sun  set.  You  shall  drink  wine  poured  in- 
to the  vessel  in  the  second  consulship  of  Taurus,30  produced 
between  the  fenny  Minturnse  and  Petrinum  of  Sinuessa.  If 
you  have  any  thing  better,  send  for  it ; or  bring  your  com- 
mands. Bright  shines  my  hearth,  and  my  furniture  is  clean 
for  you  already.  Dismiss  airy  hopes,  and  contests  about 
riches,  and  Moschus’ 31  cause.  To-morrow,  a festal  day  on 
account  of  Caesar’s  birth,32  admits  of  indulgence  and  repose. 
We  shall  have  free  liberty  to  prolong  the  summer  evening 
with  friendly  conversation.  To  what  purpose  have  I fortune, 
if  I may  not  use  it  ? He  that  is  sparing  out  of  regard  to  his  heir, 
and  too  niggardly,  is  next  neighbor  to  a madman.  I will  begin 
to  drink  and  scatter  flowers,  and  I will  endure  even  to  be  ac- 
counted foolish.  What  does  not  wine  freely  drunken  enter-. 

ubique  est  codicum,”  says  Dr.  Bentley;  and  both  the  Scholiasts  tell  us, 
that  Archias  was  a person  who  made  beds  of  a lower,  shorter  kind. 
Besides,  Archaicis  has  the  second  syllable  long ; nor  is  it,  indeed,  a Latin 
word.  Ed.  Dubl. 

30  The  second  consulship  of  Taurus  was  in  the  year  T28,  so  that  this 
wine  must  be  four  or  five  years  old.  San. 

31  The  Scholiasts  inform  us,  that  Moschus  was  a rhetorician  of  Perga- 
mus,  whose  defense  Torquatus  undertook  when  he  was  accused  of  pois- 
oning. Ed.  Dubl. 

32  Cras  nato  Ccesare.  Dacier  and  Masson  are  here,  in  Dr.  Bentley’s 
language,  upon  another  occasion,  at  daggers-drawing,  digladiantur , 
in  defense  of  Julius  Caesar  and  Augustus.  The  latter  was  born  the 
twenty-third  of  September,  which  could  not  be  justly  called  a sum- 
mer’s night,  oestivam  noctem.  The  other  on  the  twelfth  of  July.  Two 
years  after  his  death,  the  triumvirs  ordered  that  his  birthday  should  be 
celebrated  by  the  people  crowned  with  laurel,  and  that  whosoever  ne- 
glected it  should  be  devoted  to  the  vengeance  of  Jupiter  and  the  deceased 
god  himself.  But,  as  the  Apollinarian  games  were  annually  celebrated, 
and  that  it  was  forbidden  to  mix  the  festivals  of  any  other  god  with  those 
of  Apollo,  Caesar’s  birthday  was  ordered  to  be  solemnized  on  the  11th. 
Thus  we  have  not  only  the  year  and  month,  but  the  very  day  when  this 
letter  was  written,  the  10th  of  July.  Ed.  Dubl. 

This  opinion  is  at  least  as  old  as  Porphyrion,  who  says,  “ Divi  Caesaris  na- 
talem  significat.”  Torrentius  thinks  Horace  means  the  birth  of  some  young 
prince,  grandson  of  Augustus,  which  the  words  will  indeed  very  well  bear. 
Nato  Cmsare,  for  ob  Gcesarem  recens  natum.  To  give  this  conjecture  a 
kind  of  certainty,  Rodellius  and  Mr.  Sanadon  proclaim  this  festival  in 
honor  of  Caius  Caesar,  eldest  son  of  Agrippa  and  Julia.  But  Caius  was 
born  in  the  beginning  of  September,  and  the  critics  probably  forgot  the 
circumstance  of  lengthening  the  summer  night.  Ed.  Dubl.  Orelli  de' 
termines  in  favor  of  Augustus, 


EP.  VI. 


EPISTLES  OF  nORACE. 


239 


prise  ? It  discloses  secrets ; commands  our  hopes  to  be  ratified ; 
pushes  the  dastard  on  to  the  fight ; removes  the  pressure  from 
troubled  minds;  teaches  the  arts.  Whom  have  not  plentiful 
cups  made  eloquent  ? Whom  have  they  not  [made]  free  and 
easy  under  pinching  poverty  ? 

I,  who  am  both  the  proper  person  and  not  unwilling,  am 
charged  to  take  care  of  these  matters ; that  no  dirty  covering 
on  the  couch,  no  foul  napkin  contract  your  nose  into  wrinkles ; 
and  that  the  cup  and  the  dish  may  show  you  to  yourself;  that 
there  be  no  one  to  carry  abroad  what  is  said  among  faithful 
friends ; that  equals  may  meet  and  be  joined  with  equals.  I 
will  add  to  you  Butra,  and  Septicius,  and  Sabinus,  unless  a bet- 
ter entertainment  and  a mistress  more  agreeable  detain  him. 
There  is  room33  also  for  many  introductions : but  goaty  ramm:- 
ness  is  offensive  in  over-crowded  companies. 

Do  you  write  word,  what  number  you  would  be ; and  setting 
aside  business,  through  the  back-door  give  the  slip  to  your 
client  who  keeps  guard  in  your  court. 


EPISTLE  VI. 

TO  NUMICIUS. 

That  a wise  man  is  in  love  with  nothing  hut  virtue. 

To  admire  nothing  is  almost  the  one  and  only  thing,  Numi- 
cius,  which  can  make  and  keep  a man  happy.  There  are 
who  view  this  sun,  and  the  stars,  and  the  seasons  retiring  at 
certain  periods,  untainted  with  any  fear.  What  do  you  think 
of  the  gifts  of  the  earth  ? What  of  the  sea,  that  enriches  the 
remote  Arabians  and  Indians  ? What  of  scenical  shows,  the 
applause  and  favors  of  the  kind  Roman  ? In  what  manner 
do  you  think  they  are  to  be  looked  upon,  with  what  appre- 

33  Locus  est  et  pluribus  umbris.  It  was  a civility  paid  to  an  invited 
guest  among  the  ancients,  to  let  him  know,  whatever  stranger  came  with 
him  should  be  welcome.  This  was  done,  says  Plutarch,  in  imitation  of 
those  who,  sacrificing  to  some  god,  sacrificed  at  the  same  time  to  all  the 
gods  that  inhabited  the  temple  in  which  he  was  worshiped,  although 
they  did  not  call  any  of  them  by  their  names.  Fran.*  For  “umbris,” 
cf.  Sat.  ii.  8,  22. 


240 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


tensions  and  countenance  ? He  that  dreads  the  reverse  of 
these,  admires  them  almost  in  the  same  way  as  he  that  desires 
them  ; fear  alike  disturbs  both  ways : an  unforeseen  turn  of 
things  equally  terrifies  each  of  them : let  a man  rejoice  or 
grieve,  desire  or  fear ; what  matters  it — if,  whatever  he  per- 
ceives better  or  worse  than  his  expectations,  with  downcast 
look  he  be  stupefied  in  mind  and  body?  Let  the  wise  man 
bear  the  name  of  fool,  the  just  of  unjust ; if  he  pursue  virtue 
itself  beyond  proper  bounds. 

Go  now,  look  with  transport  upon  silver,  and  antique  mar- 
ble, and  brazen  statues,  and  the  arts : admire  gems,  and  Ty- 
rian dyes  : rejoice,  that  a thousand  eyes  are  fixed  upon  you 
while  you  speak : industrious  repair  early  to  the  forum,  late 
to  your  house,  that  Mutus  may  not  reap  more  grain  [than 
you]  from  his  lands  gained  in  dowry,  and  (unbecoming,  since 
he  sprung  from  meaner  parents)  that  he  may  not  be  an  object 
of  admiration  to  you,  rather  than  you  to  him.  Whatever  is 
in  the  earth,  time  will  bring  forth  into  open  day  light ; will 
bury  and  hide  things,  that  now  shine  brightest.  When 
Agrippa’s  portico,34  and  the  Appian  way,  shall  have  beheld 
you  well  known  ; still  it  remains  for  you  to  go  where  Numa 
and  Ancus  are  arrived.  If  your  side  or  your  reins  are  af- 
flicted with  an  acute  disease,  seek  a remedy  from  the  disease. 
Would  you  live  happily?  Who  would  not  ? If  virtue35  alone 
can  confer  this,  discarding  pleasures,  strenuously  pursue  it.  Do 
you  think  virtue  mere  words,  as  a grove  is  trees  ? Be  it  your 
care  that  no  other  enter . the  port  before  you  ; that  you  lose 
not  your  traffic  with  Cibyra,  with  Bithynia.  Let  the  round 
sum36  of  a thousand  talents  be  completed  ; as  many  more  ; 
further,  let  a third  thousand  succeed,  and  the  part  which  may 
square  the  heap.  For  why,  sovereign  money  gives  a wife 
with  a [large]  portion,  and  credit,  and  friends,  and  family, 

34  Porticus  Agrippce.  It  was  called  the  arcade  of  good  luck,  Portions 
boni  eventus , and  situated  near  the  Pantheon,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Cam- 
pus Martius.  This  Epistle  must  have  been  written  after  the  year  129, 
when  the  arcade  was  finished.  Ed.  Dubl. 

35  If  riches  and  honors  can  not  cure  the  body,  much  less  can  they  cure 
the  disorders  of  the  soul.  But  if  you  think  that  religion  and  virtue  are 
mere  creatures  of  our  imagination,  then  pursue  the  pleasures  of  life ; give 
a loose  to  the  passions ; and  enter  into  trade,  that  you  may  get  wealth  to 
support  them.  Fran. 

36  Potundare  £nd  quadrare  were  terms  of  the  Treasury  to  signify  a com- 
plete sum.  Cicero  says,  quadrare  sestertia.  Ed.  Dubl. 


EP.  VI. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


241 


and  beauty ; and  [the  goddesses],  Persuasion  and  Venus, 
grace  the  well-moneyed  man.  The  king  of  the  Cappadocians,37 
rich  in  slaves,  is  in  want  of  coin ; be  not  you  like  him.  Lu- 
cullus,  as  they  say,  being  asked  if  he  could  lend  a hundred 
cloaks  for  the  stage,38  “ How  can  I so  many  ?”  said  he  : “ yet 
I will  see,  and  send  as  many  as  I have a little  after  he 
writes  that  he  had  five  thousand  cloaks  in  his  house;  they 
might  take  part  of  them,  or  all.  It  is  a scanty  house,  where 
there  are  not  many  things  superfluous,  and  which  escape  the 
owner’s  notice,  and  are  the  gain  of  pilfering  slaves.  If  then 
wealth  alone  can  make  and  keep  a man  happy,  be  first  in  be- 
ginning this  work,  be  last  in  leaving  it  off.  If  appearances 
and  popularity  make  a man  fortunate,  let  us  purchase  a slave 
to  dictate  [to  us]  the  names  [of  the  citizens],  to  jog  us  on 
the  left-side,  and  to  make  us  stretch  our  hand  over  obsta- 
cles :39  “ This  man  has  much  interest  in  the  Fabian,  that  in 
the  Veline  tribe  ; this  will  give  the  fasces  to  any  one,  and,  in- 
defatigably  active,  snatch  the  curule  ivory  from  whom  he 
pleases ; add  [the  names  of]  father,  brother : according  as 
the  age  of  each  is,  so  courteously  adopt  him.  If  he  who 
feasts  well,  lives  well ; it  is  day,  let  us  go  whither  our  appe- 
tite leads  us  : let  us  fish,  let  us  hunt,  as  did  some  time  Gar- 
gilius : who  ordered  his  toils,  hunting-spears,  slaves,  early  in 
the  morning  to  pass  through  the  crowded  forum  and  the  peo- 
ple : that  one  mule  among  many,  in  the  sight  of  the  people, 
might  return  loaded  with  a boar  purchased  with  money.  Let 
us  bathe  with  an  indigested  and  full-swollen  stomach,  forget- 

87  These  people  were  so  born  for  slavery,  that  when  the  Romans  of- 
fered them  freedom  they  refused  it,  and  said,  they  were  not  able  to  sup- 
port liberty.  They  were  so  poor,  that  in  the  time  of  Lucullus  an  ox  was 
sold  for  four  pence,  and  a man  for  about  sixteen  pence.  But  they  loved 
their  slavery  and  poverty  with  the  same  ardor  with  which  others  pursue 
liberty  and  riches.  All  things  considered,  says  Mr.  Sanadon,  they  were 
perhaps  more  happy.  A remark  well  worthy  of  a Cappadocian  or  a 
Frenchman.  Fran. 

38  These  robes  were  probably  wanted  for  some  such  entertainment 
as  we  find  in  the  first  Epistle  of  the  second  Book ; though  Plutarch  tells 
us,  Horace  calls  them  five  thousand,  that  he  may  enliven  his  tale  by 
such  an  exaggeration,  for  the  real  number  was  two  hundred. 

39  Trans  pondera  dextram  porrigere.  The  streets  of  Rome  were  crowd- 
ed with  coaches  and  wagons ; the  Nomenclator,  qui  dictet  nomina , di- 
rects his  master  to  turn  these  impediments  to  his  advantage,  by  making 
an  acquaintance  with  those  who  are  stopped  with  him,  or  by  crossing 
to  those  who  are  on  the  other  side  of  the  way.  San. 

11 


242 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


ting  what  is  becoming,  what  not;  deserving  to  be  enrolled 
among  the  citizens  of  Caere  ;40  like  the  depraved  crew  of  Ulysses 
of  Ithaca,  to  whom  forbidden  pleasure  was  dearer  than  their 
country.  If,  as  Mimnermus41  things,  nothing  is  pleasant  with- 
out love  and  mirth,  live  in  love  and  mirth. 

Live  : be  happy.  If  you  know  of  any  thing  preferable  to 
these  maxims,  candidly  communicate  it : if  not,  with  me  make 
use  of  these. 


EPISTLE  YII. 

TO  MAECENAS.43 

He  apologizes  to  Maecenas  for  his  long  absence  from  Rome ; and  acknowl- 
edges his  favors  to  him  in  such  a manner  as  to  declare  liberty  preferable 

to  all  other  blessings. 

Having  promised  you  that  I would  be  in  the  country  but 
live  days,  false  to  my  word,  I am  absent  the  whole  of  August43 
But,  if  you  would  have  me  live  sound  and  in  perfect  health, 
the  indulgence  which  you  grant  me,  Maecenas,  when  I am  ill, 
you  will  grant  me  [also]  when  I am  afraid  of  being  ill : while 
[the  time  of]  the  first  figs,  and  the  [autumnal]  heat  graces 
the  undertaker  with  his  black  attendants  ; while  every  father 
and  mother  turn  pale  with  fear  for  their  children ; and  while 
over-acted  diligence,44  and  attendance  at  the  forum,  bring  on 

40  The  Caerites  having  received  the  vestal  virgins  and  tutelary  gods  of 
Rome  when  it  was  sacked  by  the  G-auls,  the  Romans  in  gratitude  gave 
them  the  privileges  of  citizens.  But  having  engaged  in  the  cause  of  Tar- 
quin,  they  were  deprived  of  the  right  of  voting  at  elections,  and  a partic- 
ular roll  was  made  for  their  names,  to  which  those  of  other  infamous 
citizens  were  afterward  added.  From  thence  came  a manner  of  speak- 
ing, “ dignus  Caeritum  tabulis : Cserite  cera  digni.”  Torr. 

41  Mimnermus  was  an  Ionian  poet,  who  lived  about  six  hundred  years  be- 
fore the  Christian  era.  He  had  a peculiar  happiness  in  descriptions  of  ten- 
derness, pleasure,  and  love.  His  style  was  easy,  rich,  and  florid.  Ed.  Dubl. 

42  This  epistle  was  probably  written  in  731,  when  our  author  was 
in  his  forty-second  year.  San. 

43  Sextilem.  The  Romans  began  their  year  at  March,  from  whence  the 
sixth  month  was  called  Sextilis,  even  after  January  and  February  were 
added  to  the  calendar  of  Romulus.  It  afterward  took  the  name  of 
Augustus,  “ mensis  Augustus,”  as  the  month  before  was  called  “ mensis 
Julius,”  from  Julius  Caesar.  Ed.  Dubl. 

44  Officiosa  sedulitas.  That  earnestness  and  assiduity  of  making  our 


EP.  VII. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


243 


fevers  and  unseal  wills/5  But,  if  the  winter  shall  scatter  snow 
upon  the  Alban  fields,  your  poet  will  go  down  to  the  sea-side, 
and  be  careful  of  himself,  and  read  bundled  up  ;46  you,  dear 
friend,  he  will  revisit  with  the  zephyrs,  if  you  will  give  him 
leave,  and  with  the  first  swallow. 

You  have  made  me  rich,  not  in  the  manner  in  which  the 
Calabrian  host  bids  [his  guest]  eat  of  his  pears.  “ Eat,  pray, 
sir.”  “ I have  had  enough.”  “ But  take  away  with  you  what 
quantity  you  will.”  “ You  are  very  kind.”47  “ You  will 
carry  them  no  disagreeable  presents  to  your  little  children.” 
“ I am  as  much  obliged  by  your  offer,  as  if  I were  sent  away 
loaded.  ” “ As  you  please  : you  leave  them  to  be  devoured 

to-day  by  the  hogs.”  The  prodigal  and  fool  gives  away  what 
he  despises  and  hates ; the  reaping  of  favors  like  these  has 
produced,  and  ever  will  produce,  ungrateful  men.  A good 
and  wise  man  professes  himself  ready  to  do  kindness  to  the 
deserving ; and  yet  is  not  ignorant,  how  true  coins  differ  from 
lupines.48  I will  also  show  myself  deserving  of  the  honor 
of  being  grateful.  But  if  you  would  not  have  me  depart  any 
whither,  you  must  restore  my  vigorous  constitution,  the  black 
locks  [that  grew]  on  my  narrow  forehead  : you  must  restore 

court  to  the  great.  Opella  forensis , the  pleadings,  and  business  of  the 
courts.  Dac. 

45  Testamenta  resignat.  “Puts  us  to  death;”  for  wills  were  never 
opened  until  the  death  of  the  testator. 

46  Contradusque  leget.  These  words  have  been  very  differently  ex- 
plained by  different  commentators.  Some  think  it  a metaphorical  ex- 
pression taken  from  a mariner’s  furling  the  sails  in  a tempest.  The  poet 
must  then  mean,  that  he  will  read  with  less  application  and  earnestness, 
“ et  sibi  parcet.”  Others  believe,  that  he  would  image  to  us  a man  chilled 
with  cold,  who  collects  and  brings  himself  into  less  compass,  “ frigore 
duplicatus.”  Sanadon  translates  it,  “shut  up,  and  warmly  clothed,” 
against  the  severity  of  the  weather.  Yet  in  his  notes  he  thinks  contradus 
may  signify  “contracto  in  loco;  in  augusto  conclavi,”  because  small 
apartments  are  less  cold,  and  consequently  more  proper  for  winter.  Fran. 

47  Bene  and  lenigne  were  words  of  politeness  and  modesty  among  the 
Romans,  as  naTiu 3f  and  ettcuvC)  among  the  Greeks  when  they  refused  any 
thing  offered  to  them.  Dac. 

48  Lupina , a sort  of  pulse,  used  for  play-house  money.  Plautus  in  his 
Poenulus,  Act  iii.  scene  2 : 

Agam.  Agite,  inspicite:  aurum  est.  Col.  Profecto,  spectatores,  comi- 
cum.  Macerato  hoc  pingues  fiunt  auro  in  Barbaria  boves. — Agam. 

“Agam.  Hold;  see  ; it  is  gold.  Col.  Yes,  truly,  the  gold  of  comedy. 
This  is  the  gold,  with  which,  when  it  is  well  watered,  they  fatten  oxen 
in  Italy.”  Ed.  Dubl. 


244 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


to  me  the  power  of  talking  pleasantly  : you  must  restore  to  me 
the  art  of  laughing  with  becoming  ease,  and  whining  over  my 
liquor  at  the  jilting  of  the  wanton  Cynara. 

A thin  field-mouse  had  by  chance  crept  through  a narrow 
cranny  into  a chest  of  grain;  and,  having  feasted  itself,  in 
vain  attempted  to  come  out  again,  with  its  body  now  stuffed 
full.  To  which  a weasel  at  a distance  cries,  “ If  you  would 
escape  thence,  repair  lean  to  the  narrow  hole  which  you  en- 
tered lean.”  If  I be  addressed  with  this  similitude,  I resign 
all ; neither  do  I,  sated  with  delicacies,  cry  up  the  calm  re- 
pose of  the  vulgar,  nor  would  I change  my  liberty  and  ease 
for  the  riches  of  the  Arabians.  You  have  often  commended 
me  for  being  modest ; when  present  you  heard  [from  me  the 
appellations  of]  king  and  father,  nor  am  I a word  more 
sparing  in  your  absence.  Try  whether  I can  cheerfully  re- 
store what  you  have  given  me.  Not  amiss  [answered]  Tele- 
machus,  son  of  the  patient  Ulysses : “ The  country  of  Ithaca 
is  not  proper  for  horses,  as  being  neither  extended  into  cham- 
paign fields,  nor  abounding  with  much  grass  : Atrides,  I will 
leave  behind  me  your  gifts,  [which  are]  more  proper  for  your- 
self.” Small  things  best  suit  the  small.  No  longer  does  im- 
perial Rome  please  me,  but  unfrequented  Tibur,  and  un warlike 
Tarentum. 

Philip,  active  and  strong,  and  famed  for  pleading  causes, 
while  returning  from  his  employment  about  the  eighth  hour, 
and  now  of  a great  age,  complaining  that  the  Carinae  were 
too  far  distant  from  the  forum ; spied,  as  they  say,  a person 
clean  shaven  in  a barber’s  empty  shed,  composedly  paring  his 
own  nails  with  a knife.  “ Demetrius,”  [says  he,]  (this  slave 
dexterously  received  his  master’s  orders,)  “go  inquire,  and 
bring  me  word  from  what  house,  who  he  is,  of  what  fortune, 
who  is  his  father,  or  who  is  his  patron.”  He  goes,  returns, 
and  relates,  that  “he  is  by  name  Yulteius  Msena,49  an  auc- 
tioneer, of  small  fortune,  of  a character  perfectly  unexcep- 
tionable, that  he  could  upon  occasion  ply  busily,  and  take  his 
ease,  and  get,  and  spend ; delighting  in  humble  companions 

49  Vulteium  nomine  Menam.  By  these  words  Philip  might  know  he 
was  a stranger ; that  he  had  been  made  free,  and  that  his  patron’s  name 
Was  Yulteius.  Slaves  had  no  surname ; but  when  they  were  made 
free,  they  took  the  names  or  surnames  of  their  patrons,  to  which  they 
added  those  of  their  slavery.  San. 


EP.  VII. 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


245 


and  a settled  dwelling,  and  (after  business  ended)  in  the  shows, 
and  the  Campus  Martius.” 

“I  would  inquire  of  him  himself  all  this,  which  you  report; 
bid  him  come  to  sup  with  me.”  Msena  can  not  believe  it : he 
wonders  silently  within  himself.  Why  many  words  ? He 
answers,  “ It  is  kind.”  “ Can  he  deny  me  V “ The  rascal 
denies,  and  disregards  or  dreads  you.”  In  the  morning  Philip 
comes  unawares  upon  Yulteius,  as  he  is  selling  brokery-goods 
to  the  tunic’d  populace,  and  salutes  him  first.  He  pleads  to 
Philip  his  employment,  and  the  confinement  of  his  business, 
in  excuse  for  not  having  waited  upon  him  in  the  morning; 
and  afterward,  for  not  seeing  him  first.  “ Expect  that  I 
will  excuse  you  on  this  condition,  that  you  sup  with  me  to- 
day.” “ As  you  please.”  “ Then  you  will  come  after  the 
ninth  hour  : now  go,  strenuously  increase  your  stock.”  When 
they  were  come  to  supper,  having  discoursed  of  things  of  a 
public  and  private  nature,  at  length  he  is  dismissed  to  go  to 
sleep.  When  he  had  often  been  seen  to  repair  like  a fish  to 
the  concealed  hook,  in  the  morning  a client,  and  now  as  a con- 
stant guest ; he  is  desired  to  accompany  [Philip]  to  his  country- 
seat  near  the  city,  at  the  proclaiming  of  the  Latin  festivals.60 
Mounted  on  horseback,  he  ceases  .not  to  cry  up  the  Sabine 
fields  and  air.  Philip  sees  it,  and  smiles  : and,  while  he  is 
seeking  amusement  and  diversion  for  himself  out  of  every 
thing,  while  he  makes  him  a present  of  seven  thousand  ses- 
terces,51 and  promises  to  lend  him  seven  thousand  more  : he 
persuades  him  to  purchase  a farm  : he  purchases  one.  That 
I may  not  detain  you  with  a long  story  beyond  what  is  neces- 
sary, from  a smart  cit  he  becomes  a downright  rustic,  and 
prates  of  nothing  but  furrows  and  vineyards ; prepares  his 
elms;  is  ready  to  die  with  eager  diligence,  and  grows  old 
through  a passionate  desire  of  possessing.  But  when  his 
sheep  were  lost  by  theft,  his  goats  by  a distemper,  his  harvest 
deceived  his  hopes,  his  ox  was  killed  with  plowing;  fretted 
with  these  losses,  at  midnight  he  snatches  his  nag,  and  in  a 

50  Indiciis  Latinus.  Philip  could  go  to  the  country  only  in  the  holidays. 
They  were  called  indictee,  or  conceptivce,  because  they  were  not  celebrated 
upon  any  stated  days,  which  they  called  statas , but  appointed  at  the 
pleasure  of  the  consul.  They  were  instituted  in  honor  of  Jupiter,  in 
memory  of  a peace  concluded  beween  Tarquinius  Superbus  and  the 
people  of  Latium.  Fran. 

51  Bum  septem  donat  sestertia.  About  54?.  135.  9c?.  of  our  money. 


246 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


passion  makes  his  way  to  Philip’s  house.  Whom  as  soon  as 
Philip  beheld,  rough  and  unshaven,  “ V ulteius,”  said  he,  “ you 
seem  to  me  to  be  too  laborious  and  earnest.”  “ In  truth,  patron,” 
replied  he,  “you  would  call  me  a wretch,  if  you  would  apply  to 
me  my  true  name.  I beseech  and  conjure  you  then,  by  your 
genius  and  your  right  hand  and  your  household  gods,  restore 
me  to  my  former  life.”  As  soon  as  a man  perceives,  how  much 
the  things  he  has  discarded  excel  those  which  he  pursues,  let 
him  return  in  time,  and  resume  those  which  he  relinquished. 

It  is  a truth,  that  every  one  ought  to  measure  himself  by  his 
own  proper  foot  and  standard. 


EPISTLE  VIII. 

TO  CELSUS  ALBINO YANUS. 

That  he  was  neither  well  in  body,  nor  in  mind;  that  Celsus  should  bear 
his  prosperity  with  moderation. 

My  muse  at  my  request,  give  joy  and  wish  success  to  Celsus 
Albino vanus,  the  attendant  and  the  secretary  of  Nero.  If  he 
shall  inquire,  what  I am  doing,  say  that  I,  though  promising 
many  and  tine  things,  yet  live  neither  well  [according  to  the 
rules  of  strict  philosophy],  nor  agreeably  ;52  not  because  the 
hail  has  crushed  my  vines,  and  the  heat  has  nipped  my  olives ; 
nor  because  my  herds  are  distempered  in  distant  pastures; 
but  because,  less  sound  in  my  mind  than  in  my  whole  body,  I 
will  hear  nothing,  learn  nothing  which  may  relieve  me, 
diseased  as  I am;  that  I am  displeased  with  my  faithful 
physicians,  am  angry  with  my  friends  for53  being  industrious 
to  rouse  me  from  a fatal  lethargy ; that  I pursue  things 
which  have  done  me  hurt,  avoid  things  which  I am  persuaded 
would  be  of  service,  inconstant  as  the  wind,  at  Rome  am  in 
love  with  Tibur,  at  Tibur  with  Rome.  After  this,  inquire 
how  he  does  ; how  he  manages  his  business  and  himself ; how 

52  Vivere  nec  rede  nee  suaviter.  This  distinction  is  of  pure  Epicurean 
morality.  Rede  vivere,  to  live  according  to  the  rules  of  virtue  ; vivere 
suaviter,  to  have  no  other  guidance  for  our  actions  but  pleasure  and  our 
passions.  Ed.  Dubl. 

53  Cur  me  funesto.  The  poet  uses  cur  for  quod,  and  it  is  too  remarka- 
ble to  be  passed  over.  Ed.  Dubl. 


EP.  II. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


247 


he  pleases  the  young  prince  and  his  attendants.  If  he  shall 
say,  well ; first  congratulate  him,  then  remember  to  whisper 
tliis  admonition  in  his  ears : As  you,  Celsus,  bear  your  for- 
tunes, so  will  we  bear  you. 


EPISTLE  IX. 

TO  CLAUDIUS  TIBERIUS  NERO.54 

He  recommends  Septimius  to  him. 

Of  all  the  men  in  the  world  Septimius  surely,  O Claudius, 
knows  how  much  regard  you  have  for  me.  For  when  he 
requests,  and  by  his  entreaties  in  a manner  compels  me,  to 
undertake  to  recommend  and  introduce  him  to  you,  as  one 
worthy  of  the  confidence  and  the  household  of  Nero,  who  is 
wont  to  choose  deserving  objects,  thinking  I discharge  the 
office  of  an  intimate  friend ; he  sees  and  knows  better  than 
myself  what  I can  do.  I said  a great  deal,  indeed,  in  order 
that  I might  come  off  excused : but  I was  afraid,  lest  I should 
be  suspected  to  pretend  my  interest  was  less  than  it  is,  to  be  a 
dissembler  of  my  own  power,  and  ready  to  serve  myself  alone. 
So,  avoiding  the  reproach  of  a greater  fault,  I have  put  in  for 
the  prize  of  town-bred  confidence.55  If  then  you  approve  of 
modesty  being  superseded  at  the  pressing  entreaties  of  a friend, 

54  Among  all  the  duties  of  civil  life,  there  is  not  any  that  requires  more 
discretion  and  delicacy,  than  that  of  recommending  a friend,  especially 
to  a superior.  This  letter  is  a proof  of  the  remark.  The  poet  was  com- 
pelled to  write  by  a sort  of  violent  importunity,  which  yet  is  not  inex- 
cusable in  Septimius,  persuaded  as  he  was  of  our  author’s  interest  with 
Tiberius.  There  is  through  the  whole  letter  a certain  happy  mixture  of 
that  manly  zeal,  which  a friend  has  a right  to  demand,  and  that  modest 
respect  due  to  a great  prince.  It  may  be  a pleasure  to  the  reader  to 
know,  that  it  had  all  the  success  it  deserved,  for  Septimius  was  after- 
ward honored  with  the  confidence  and  affection  both  of  Tiberius  and 
Augustus.  We  may  date  the  letter  in  *732,  for  Tiberius  was  sent  the 
year  before  to  visit  and  regulate  the  government  of  the  eastern  provinces. 
San. 

55  After  all  the  disputed  explanations  of  this  expression,  I think  there 
is  but  little  difficulty  in  understanding  a “ gentlemanly  confidence,”  a 
freedom  from  mauvais  honte,  as  the  quality  to  which  the  poet  lays  claim. 
The  phrase  is  perhaps  slightly  ironical. 


248 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


enrol  this  person  among  your  retinue,  and  believe  him  to  be 
brave  and  good. 


EPISTLE  X. 

TO  ARISTIUS  FUSCUS. 

Ha  praises  a country  before  a city  life , as  more  agreeable  to  nature , and 
more  friendly  to  liberty. 

We,  who  love  the  country,  salute  Fuscus  that  loves  the  town; 
in  this  point  alone  [being]  much  unlike,  but  in  other  things 
almost  twins,  of  brotherly  sentiments : whatever  one  denies, 
the  other  too  [denies]  ; we  assent  together  : like  old  and  con- 
stant doves,  you  keep  the  nest ; I praise  the  rivulets,  the 
rocks  overgrown  with  moss,  and  the  groves  of  the  delightful 
country.  Do  you  ask  why  ? I live  and  reign,  as  soon  as  I 
have  quitted  those  things  which  you  extol  to  the  skies  with 
joyful  applause.  And,  like  a priest’s  fugitive  slave,  I reject 
luscious  wafers  ;56  I desire  plain  bread,  which  is  more  agree- 
able now  than  honied  cakes. 

If  we  must  live  suitably  to  nature,  and  a plot  of  ground  is 
to  be  first  sought  to  raise  a house  upon,  do  you  know  any 
place  preferable  to  the  blissful  country  ? Is  there  any  spot 
where  the  winters  are  more  temperate  ? where  a more  agree- 
able breeze  moderates  the  rage  of  the  Dog-star,  and  the  sea- 
son of  the  Lion,  when  once  that  furious  sign  has  received  the 
scorching  sun  ? Is  there  a place  where  envious  care  less  dis- 
turbs our  slumbers  ? Is  the  grass  inferior  in  smell  or  beauty 
to  the  Libyan  pebbles  ?57  Is  the  water,  which  strives  to  burst 
the  lead  in  the  streets,  purer  than  that  which  trembles  in 

55  The  priest’s  slave,  who  is  tired  of  living  on  the  delicacies  offered  to 
his  master’s  god,  runs  away  from  his  service,  that  he  may  get  a little 
common  bread : thus  our  poet  would  retreat  from  the  false  taste  and 
relish  of  town  pleasures  to  the  simple  and  natural  enjoyments  of  the 
country.  Ed.  Dubl. 

57  Than  the  tesselated  or  mosaic  pavements  made  of  Numidian  marble. 
M.  Lepidus  was  the  first  who  introduced  the  ISTumidian  marble  at  Romo, 
for  which  he  was  severely  censured.  Plin.  xxxvi.  6.  Lapilli , Tudo- 
crrpdra,  are  the  small  pieces  which  were  arranged  so  as  to  form  figures 
on  the  pavement,  as  pebbles,  or  shells  of  different  colors,  are  sometimes 
used  at  present  to  form  the  floor  of  summer-houses.  M‘Caul. 


EP.  X. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


249 


murmurs  down  its  sloping  channel  ? Why,  trees  are  nursed 
along  the  variegated  columns  [of  the  city]  ; and  that  house 
is  commended,  which  has  a prospect  of  distant  fields.  You 
may  drive  out  nature  with  a fork,58  yet  still  she  will  return, 
and,  insensibly  victorious,  will  break  through  [men’s]  im- 
proper disgusts. 

Not  he  who  is  unable  to  compare  the  fleeces  that  drink  up 
the  dye  of  Aquinum  with  the  Sidonian  purple,  will  receive  a 
more  certain  damage  and  nearer  to  his  marrow,  than  he  who 
shall  not  be  able  to  distinguish  false  from  true.  He  who  has 
been  overjoyed  by  prosperity,  will  be  shocked  by  a change  of 
circumstances.  If  you  admire  any  thing  [greatly],  you  will 
be  unwilling  to  resign  it.  Avoid  great  things ; under  a 
mean  roof  one  may  outstrip  kings,  and  the  favorites  of 
kings,  in  one’s  life. 

The  stag,  superior  in  fight,  drove  the  horse  from  the  com- 
mon pasture,  till  the  latter,  worsted  in  the  long  contest,  im- 
plored the  aid  of  man  and  received  the  bridle  ; but  after  he 
had  parted  an  exulting  conqueror  from  his  enemy,  he  could 
not  shake  the  rider  from  his  back,  nor  the  bit  from  his  mouth. 
So  he  who,  afraid  of  poverty,  forfeits  his  liberty,  more  valuable 
than  mines,  avaricious  wretch,  shall  carry  a master,  and  shall 
eternally  be  a slave,  for  not  knowing  how  to  use  a little. 
When  a man’s  condition  does  not  suit  him,  it  will  be  as  a shoe 
at  any  time  ; which,  if  too  big  for  his  foot,  will  throw  him 
down  ; if  too  little,  will  pinch  him.  [If  you  are]  cheerful 
under  your  lot,  Aristius,  you  will  live  wisely  ; nor  shall  you 
let  me  go  uncorrected,  if  I appear  to  scrape  together  more 
than  enough  and  not  have  done.  Accumulated  money  is  the 
master  or  slave  of  each  owner,  and  ought  rather  to  follow 
than  to  lead  the  twisted  rope.59 

These  I dictated  to  thee  behind  the  moldering  temple  of 
Vacuna  ;60  in  all  other  things  happy,  except  that  thou  wast 
not  with  me. 

58  Expelles  furca.  A proverbial  expression  for  removing,  putting  away, 
what  we  dislike  or  despise,  derived  from  the  use  of  the  fork  in  the  farm- 
yard. The  Greek  expression  is,  dutpdvoLg  uOelv.  Comp.  Lucian.  Timon., 
Kal  /ibvovovxl  ducpuvoig  /ui  It-edOei  Trig  oiaiag.  M‘Caul. 

59  Tortum  digna  sequi.  A metaphor  taken  from  beasts  that  are  led 
with  a cord.  Persius  hath  used  the  same  figure,  “ funem  reduco.”  San. 

60  Yacuna  was  the  goddess  of  vacations,  whose  festival  was  celebrated 
in  December.  There  are  still  some  remains  of  her  temple  on  our  poet’s 

11* 


250 


EPISTLES  OP.  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


EPISTLE  XI. 

TO  BULLATIUS. 

Endeavoring  to  recall  him  back  to  Rome  from  Asia , whither  he  had  re- 
treated through  his  weariness  of  the  civil  wars , he  advises  him  to  ease  the 
disquietude  of  his  mind  not  by  the  length  of  his  journey , but  by  forming 
his  mind  into  a right  disposition. 

What,  Bullatius,  do  you  think  of  Chios,  and  of  celebrated 
Lesbos  ?61  What  of  neat  Samos  ?62  What  of  Sardis,  the  royal 
residence  of  Croesus  ? What  of  Smyrna,  and  Colophon  ? Are 
they  greater  or  less  than  their  fame  ? Are  they  all  contempti- 
ble in  comparison  of  the  Campus  Martius  and  the  river  Ti- 
ber ? Does  one  of  Attalus’  cities  enter  into  your  wish  ? Or 
do  you  admire  Lebedus,  through  a surfeit  of  the  sea  and  of 
traveling  ? You  know  what  Lebedus  is ; it  is  a more  unfre- 
quented town  than  Gabii  and  Fidense ; yet  there  would  I be 
willing  to  live ; and,  forgetful  of  my  friends  and  forgotten  by 
them,  view  from  land  Neptune03  raging  at  a distance.  But 
neither  he  who  comes  to  Rome  from  Capua,  bespattered  with 
rain  and  mire,  would  wish  to  live  in  an  inn ; nor  does  he,  who 
has  contracted  a cold,  cry  up  stoves  and  bagnios  as  completely 
furnishing  a happy  life  : nor,  if  the  violent  south  wind  has 
tossed  you  in  the  deep,  will  you  therefore  sell  your  ship  on 
the  other  side  of  the  iEgean04  Sea.  On  a man  sound  in 

estate.  He  dates  his  letter  behind  this  temple,  to  insult  Aristius  with 
that  idleness  and  liberty  which  he  enjoyed  in  the  country,  in  opposition 
to  the  business  and  confinement  of  Rome.  Torr. 

61  Notaque  Lesbos.  The  island  in  the  iEgean,  south  of  Tenedos.  Its 
principal  towns  were  Mitylene  and  Methymna.  It  was  nota , not  so  much 
on  account  of  its  excellent  wine,  as  that  it  was  the  birthplace  of  Sappho 
and  Alcaeus.  Ed.  Dubl. 

62  Goncinna  Samos.  To  the  south-east  of  Chios,  well  known  as  the 
favorite  island  of  Juno;  and  as  the  birthplace  of  Pythagoras.  The  epi- 
thet concinna , neat , refers,  perhaps,  to  the  character  of  the  buildings  and 
appointments  of  its  chief  city,  which  also  was  called  Samos.  Ed.  Dubl. 

63  Neptunum  procul  e terra.  This  image  perfectly  well  represents  the 
condition  of  Rome  and  Italy.  A sea  agitated  by  tempests,  is  a natural 
figure  of  a state  distracted  by  the  intentions  of  an  intestine  war.  San. 

64  uEgceum  mare.  The  Archipelago  between  Europe  and  Asia,  said  by 
some  to  derive  its  name  from  JEgeus,  the  father  of  Theseus,  who  flung 
himself  into  it  from  the  promontory  of  Sunium,  when  he  saw  black  sails 


EP.  XI L 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


251 


mind66  Rhodes  and  beautiful  Mitylene  have  such  an  effect, 
as  a thick  cloak  at  the  summer  solstice,  thin  drawers  i A snowy- 
weather,  [bathing  in]  the  Tiber  in  winter,  a fire06  in  the 
month  of  August.  While  it  is  permitted,  and  fortune  pre-* 
serves  a benign  aspect,  let  absent  Samos,  and  Chios,  and 
Rhodes,  be  commended  by  you  here  at  Rome.  Whatever  pros- 
perous hour  Providence  bestows  upon  you,  receive  it  with  a 
thankful  hand:  and  defer  not  [the  enjoyment  of]  the  com- 
forts of  life,  till  a year  be  at  an  end ; that  in  whatever  place 
you  are,  you  may  say  you  have  lived  with  satisfaction.  For 
if  reason  and  discretion,  not  a place  that  commands  a prospect 
of  the  wide-extended  sea,  remove  our  cares ; they  change  their 
climate,  not  their  disposition,  who  run  beyond  the  sea  : a busy 
idleness  harrasses  us  : by  ships  and  by  chariots  we  seek  to  live 
happily.  What  you  seek  is  here  [at  home],  is  at  Ulubrse,  if 
a just  temper  of  mind  is  not  wanting  to  you. 


EPISTLE  XII. 

TO  ICCIUS. 

Under  the  appearance  of  praising  the  man's  parsimony , he  archly  ridicules 

it ; introduces  Grosphus  to  him , and  concludes  with  a few  articles  of  news 

concerning  the  Roman  affairs. 

O Iccius,  if  you  rightly  enjoy  the  Sicilian  products,67  which 
you  collect08  for  Agrippa,  it  is  not  possible  that  greater  afflu- 
ence can  be  given  you  by  Jove.  Away  with  complaints ! for 
that  man  is  by  no  means  poor,  who  has  the  use  of  every  thing 

in  the  vessel  which  was  returning  to  Crete.  Others  gave  different  deri- 
vations. Ed.  Dubl. 

65  “ Incolumi,  integro,  sanse  mentis  homini.”  Schol. 

66  Gaminus  was  a room  exposed  to  the  south,  and  contrived  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  collect  the  rays  of  the  sun  in  winter.  It  was  called  helio - 
caminus  and  solarium.  Ed.  Dubl. 

67  Fructibus  Agrippce  Siculis.  Augustus  was  obliged  to  Agrippa  for 
the  reduction  of  Sicily,  and  gave  him,  in  acknowledgment,  an  estate 
there,  to  which  Iccius  was  agent  or  farmer.  His  father  had  been  gov- 
ernor of  the  island  four-and-twenty  years  before.  Ed.  Dubl. 

68  Quos  colligis.  This  expression  and  the  last  line  of  the  letter  seem 
to  say  that  it  was  harvest-time,  both  in  Sicily  and  Italy,  which  will  more 
exactly  direct  us  to  fix  the  date  of  it.  San. 


252 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


he  wants.  If  it  is  well  with  your  belly,  your  back,  and  your 
feet,  regal  wealth  can  add  nothing  greater.  If  perchance  ab- 
stemious amid  profusion  you  live  upon  salad  and  shell-fish,69 
you  will  continue  to  live  in  such  a manner,  even  if70  presently 
fortune  shall  flow  upon  you  in  a river  of  gold  : either  because 
money  can  not  change  the  natural  disposition,  or  because  it  is 
your  opinion  that  all  things  are  inferior  to  virtue  alone.  Can 
we  wonder  that  cattle  feed  upon  the  meadows  and  corn-fields 
of  Democritus,71  while  his  active  soul  is  abroad  -[traveling] 
without  his  body  ?72  When  you,  amid  such  great  impurity 
and  infection  of  profit,  have  no  taste  for  any  thing  trivial, 
but  still  mind  [only]  sublime  things  :73  what  causes  restrain 
the  sea,  what  rules  the  year,  whether  the  stars  spontaneously 
or  by  direction  wander  about  and  are  erratic,  what  throws  ob- 
scurity on  the  moon,  and  what  brings  out  her  orb,  what  is  the 
intention  and  power  of  the  jarring  harmony  of  things,  wheth- 
er Empedocles  or  the  clever  Stertinius  be  in  the  wrong  ? 

However,  whether  you  murder  fishes,  or  onions  and  garlic, 

69  Orelli  maintains  that  the  nettle  is  intended,  which  the  Italians,  even 
at  the  present  day,  are  wont  to  cook  at  spring  time,  while  its  leaves  are 
tender.  Plin.  xxi.  15  : Urtica  incipiens  nasci  vere,  non  ingrata , mul- 
tis  etiam  religioso  in  cibo  est  ad  pellandos  totius  anni  morbos.  The  Urtica 
Marina  belongs  to  the  genus  Medusa , and  was  only  served  up  at  the  most 
expensive  banquets.  Herbis  et  Urtica  are  joined  as  Silvas  et  quercus , Od. 
i.  12,  1.  Flores  mille  colorum  Liliaque,  Ovid.  Met.  x.  261.  Wheeler. 

70  Sic  vives  protenus,  ut  te.  Ut  here  signifies  quamvis,  which  only  can 
determine  the  sense.  Protenus  is  for  uno  eodemque  tenore,  in  one  con- 
tinued, unbroken  length.  Torr.  See  Orelli. 

71  This  comparison  hath  much  ironical  pleasantry.  Democritus  was 
so  engaged  in  his  philosophical  speculations,  that  he  left  his  estate  a prey 
to  his  neighbors.  But  the  severe  and  frugal  life  of  Iccius  rose  from  very 
different  principles.  He  denied  himself  only  those  pleasures  which  his 
avarice  would  not  allow  him  to  purchase.  But  virtue,  says  our  laugh- 
ing  poet,  was  a source  of  real  wealth  to  him,  and  he  wanted  only  those 
riches  which  his  Stoical  wisdom  had  taught  him  to  despise.  San. 

72  The  Platonics,  explaining  the  powers  of  the  soul,  talk  as  if  they 
could  really,  by  strength  of  imagination,  separate  the  soul  from  the 
body,  and  raise  it  above  all  earthly  ideas.  Aristophanes,  to  ridicule  this 
language,  introduces  Socrates,  telling  his  disciples  that  he  could  never 
have  penetrated  into  things  sublime,  but  by  mixing  his  most  refined 
ideas  with  air  most  like  them.  He  then  pleasantly  advises  them  not  to 
restrain  their  imagination,  but  to  let  it  soar,  like  a butterfly,  which  boys 
tie  to  a thread.  Fran. 

73  It  was  now  seventeen  years  since  Iccius  had  quitted  philosophy 
for  the  army ; but,  as  his  Arabian  expedition  had  not  the  success  it 
promised,  our  new  soldier  returned  to  his  first  profession.  San. 


EP.  XIII. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


253 


receive  Pompeius  Grosphus ; and,  if  he  asks  any  favor,  grant  it 
him  frankly  : Grosphus  will  desire  nothing  but  what  is  right 
and  just.  The  proceeds  of  friendship  are  cheap,  when  good 
men  want  any  thing. 

But  that  you  may  not  be  ignorant  in  what  situation  the  Ro- 
man affairs  are  ; the  Cantabrians74  have  fallen  by  the  valor  of 
Agrippa,  the  Armenians  by  that  of  Claudius  Nero  : Phraates 
has,  suppliant  on  his  knees,76  admitted  the  laws  and  power  of 
Csesar.  Golden  plenty  has  poured  out  the  fruits  of  Italy  from 
a full  horn. 


EPISTLE  XIII. 

TO  VINNIUS  ASINA. 

Horace  cautions  Mm  to  present  Ms  poems  to  Augustus  at  a proper 
opportunity , and  with  due  decorum . 

As  on  your  setting  out  I frequently  and  fully  gave  you  in- 
structions, Vinnius,  that  you  would  present  these  volumes  to 
Augustus  sealed  up70  if  he  shall  be  in  health,  if  in  spirits, 
finally,  if  he  shall  ask  for  them : do  not  offend  out  of  zeal  to 

74  Cantaber.  A nation  of  Spain  (inhabiting  what  is  now  Biscay,  and 
part  of  Asturias),  distinguished  for  the  spirited  opposition  which  they 
made  to  the  Romans.  In  a.  u.  C.  129  Augustus,  in  person,  headed  an 
expedition  to  punish  them,  but  no  sooner  had  he  left  their  country  than 
this  warlike  people  reasserted  their  independence.  Horace  alludes  hero 
(and  also  Carm.  iii.  8,  22,  Cantaber  sera  domitus  catena)  to  the  chastise- 
ment which  they  received  from  Agrippa,  A.  u.  c.  134.  M‘Caul. 

75  Genibus  minor.  The  poet  only  means  that  Phraates  was  reduced 
to  the  lowest  submissions,  to  purchase  the  protection  of  Augustus  against 
his  own  subjects.  Hacier  understands  the  words  literally,  and  that 
Coesaris  means  Tiberius,  from  whose  hand  the  Parthian  monarch  received 
his  crown.  But  is  it  not  astonishing  that  Velleius  Paterculus,  always 
disposed  to  flatter  Tiberius,  hath  forgotten  a circumstance  so  glorious  to 
him,  and  that  we  have  not  the  least  marks  of  it  in  any  other  his- 
torian. San. 

76  Our  poet  sent  Augustus  not  only  the  letter  addressed  to  him  (the 
first  of  the  second  Book),  but  also  the  last  odes  and  last  epistles  he  had 
written.  He  calls  these  pieces  volumina , because  they  were  separately 
rolled  up ; and  he  desires  Vinnius  to  present  them  sealed,  that  they 
might  not  be  exposed  to  the  impertinent  curiosity  ofihe  court.  Rodell. 


254 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


me,  and  industriously  bring  an  odium  upon  my  books  [by 
being]  an  agent  of  violent  officiousness.  If  baply  tbe  ‘heavy 
load  of  my  paper  should  gall  you,77  cast  it  from  you,  rather 
than  throw  down  your  pack  in  a rough  manner  where  you  are 
directed  to  carry  it,  and  turn  your  paternal  name  of  Asina 
into  a jest,  and  make  yourself  a common  story.  Make  use  of 
your  vigor  over  the  hills,  the  rivers,  and  the  fens.  As  soon 
as  you  have  achieved  your  enterprise,  and  arrived  there,  you 
must  keep  your  burden  in  this  position  ; lest  you  happen  to 
carry  my  bundle  of  books  under  your  arm,  as  a clown  does  a 
lamb,  or  as  drunken  Pyrrhia  [in  the  play  does]  the  balls  of 
pilfered  wool,  or  as  a tribe-guest78  his  slippers  with  his  fuddling- 
cnp.  You  must  not  tell  publicly,  how  you  sweated  with  carry- 
ing those  verses,  which  may  detain  the  eyes  and  ears  of  Caesar. 
Solicited  with  much  entreaty,  do  your  best.  Finally,  get  you 
gone,  farewell : take  care  you  do  not  stumble,  and  break  my 
orders. 


EPISTLE  XIV. 

TO  HIS  STEWARD. 

He  upbraids  his  levity  for  contemning  a country  life , which  had  been  his 
choice , and  being  eager  to  return  to  Rome . 

Steward  of  my  woodlands  and  little  farm  that  restores  me  to 
myself,  which  you  despise,  [though  formerly]  inhabited  by  five 
families,  and  wont  to  send  five  good  senators  to  Varia : let  us 
try,  whether  I with  more  fortitude  pluck  the  thorns  out  of  my 
mind,  or  you  out  of  my  ground  : and  whether  Horace  or  his 
estate  be  in  a better  condition. 

Though  my  affection  and  solicitude  for  Lamia,  mourning 

77  Augustus  had  rallied  Horace  for  the  shortness  of  his  epistles,  “ ve- 
reri  mihivideris  ne  majores  libelli  tui  sint  quamipsees;”  you  seem  afraid 
that  your  letters  should  be  longer  than  you  are.  The  poet  therefore 
sends  a number  of  them  together  that  he  might  make  up  in  weight  what 
he  wanted  in  length.  Ed.  Dubl. 

78  Conviva  tribulis.  Athenseus  tells  us,  that  people  of  the  same  tribe 
had  entertainments,  called  ccence  thiasce  (probably  not  unlike  our  modern 
clubs),  which  were  regulated  by  laws.  The  guests  carried  their  bonnets, 
to  preserve  them  from  the  weather ; and  slippers  to  put  on  when  thsy 
went  into  the  house*  of  the  master  of  the  feast.  Ed.  Duel. 


ep.  xiv. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


255 


for  his  brother,  lamenting  inconsolably  for  his  brother’s  loss, 
detain  me ; nevertheless  my  heart  and  soul79  carry  me  thither 
and  long  to  break  through  those  barriers  that  obstruct  my  way. 
I pronounce  him  the  happy  man  who  dwells  in  the  country, 
you  him  [who  lives]  in  the  city.  He  to  whom  his  neigh- 
bor’s lot  is  agreeable,  must  of  consequence  dislike  his  own. 
Each  of  us  is  a fool  for  unjustly  blaming  the  innocent  place. 
The  mind  is  in  fault,  which  never  escapes  from  itself.  When 
you  were  a drudge80  at  every  one’s  beck,  you  tacitly  prayed 
fcfr  the  country : and  now,  [being  appointed]  my  steward,  you 
wish  for  the  city,  the  shows,  and  the  baths.  You  know  I am 
consistent  with  myself,  and  loth  to  go,  whenever  disagreeable 
business  drags  me  to  Rome.  We  are  not  admirers  of  the 
same  things  : hence  you  and  I disagree.  For  what  you  reckon 
desert  and  inhospitable  wilds,  he  who  is  of  my  way  of  think- 
ing calls  delightful  places;  and  dislikes  what  you  esteem 
pleasant.  The  bagnio,  I perceive,  and  the  greasy  tavern  raise 
your  inclination  for  the  city  : and  this,  because  my  little  spot 
will  sooner  yield  frankincense  and  pepper  than  grapes ; nor  is 
there  a tavern  near,  which  can  supply  you  with  wine  ; nor 
a minstrel  harlot,  to  whose  thrumming  you  may  dance,  cum- 
bersome to  the  ground : and  yet  you  exercise  with  plow- 
shares the  fallows  that  have  been  a long  while  untouched, 
you  take  due  care  of  the  ox  when  unyoked,  and  give  him 
his  fill  with  leaves  stripped  [from  the  boughs].  The  sluice 
gives  an  additional  trouble  to  an  idle  fellow,  which,  if  a shower 
fall,  must  be  taught  by  many  a mound  to  spare  the  sunny 
meadow. 

Come  now,  attend  to  what  hinders  our  agreeing.  [Me,] 
whom  fine  garments81  and  dressed  locks  adorned,  whom  you 

79  When  the  Latins  use  mens  animusque  or  mens  animi,  they  would 
express  all  the  faculties  of  the  soul.  Mens  regards  the  superior  and  in- 
telligent part,  animus  the  sensible  and  inferior,  the  source  of  the  passions. 
Dac. 

80  Mediastinus  was  a slave  of  the  lowest  kind,  who  had  no  regular  serv- 
ice appointed  for  him,  but  waited  upon  other  slaves  in  the  vilest  employ- 
ments. Among  other  directions  given  by  Cato  to  his  son,  when  he  went 
to  the  army,  “ Ille  imperator,  tu  illi  ac  cseteris  Mediastinus.”  Ed.  Dubl. 

81  Horace,  to  render  the  comparison  between  himself  and  his  slave 
more  just,  draws  a picture  of  the  life  they  passed  in  their  youth  at  Roms. 
He  confesses  that  his  own  conduct  had  not  been  extremely  regular,  yet 
that  of  his  slave,  who  was  probably  the  confidant  of  his  pleasures,  had 
not  been  more  wise.  But  while  the  master  renounces  the  follies  of  his 


256 


EPISTLES  OE  HORACE. 


BOOK  i. 


know  to  have  pleased  venal  Cynara  without  a present,  whom 
[you  have  seen]  quaff  flowing  Falernian  from  noon — a short 
supper  [now]  delights,  and  a nap  upon  the  green  turf  by  tho 
stream  side  : nor  is  it  a shame  to  have  been  gay,  but  not  to 
break  off  that  gayety.  There  there  is  no  one  who  reduces62 
my  possessions  with  envious  eye,  nor  poisons  them  with  ob- 
scure malice  and  biting  slander ; the  neighbors  smile  at  me  re- 
moving clods  and  stones.  You  had  rather  be  munching  your 
daily  allowance  with  the  slaves  in  town  ; you  earnestly  pray 
to  be  of  the  number  of  these : [while  my]  cunning  foot-bey 
envies  you  the  use  of  the  firing,  the  flocks,  and  the  garden. 
The  lazy  ox  wishes  for  the  horse’s  trappings : the  horse 
wishes  to  go  to  plow.  But  I shall  be  of  opinion,  that  each 
of  them  ought  contentedly  to  exercise  that  art  which  he  un- 
derstands. 


EPISTLE  XY. 

TO  C.  NEUMONIUS  VALA. 

Preparing  to  go  to  the  laths  either  at  Velia  or  Salernum,  he  inquires  after 
the  healthfulness  and  agreealleness  of  the  places. 

It  is  your  part,83  Yala,  to  write  to  me  (and  mine  to  give 

youth,  though  without  blushing  for  them,  the  servant  would  continue  in 
them  as  long  as  he  lived.  Dac. 

82  Limat.  Limis  oculis  aspicere  aliquem , to  look  askew,  or  askance ; 
but  the  Latins  never  used  limare  in  that  sense.  The  Scholiast  explains 
the  word  limat  by  deterit , imminuit,  for  it  was  a superstition  among  the 
ancients,  as  Dacier  observes,  that  an  envious  eye  could  lessen  what  it 
looked  at,  and  corrupt  our  enjoyment  of  it.  Ed.  Hub.  “ limat” =“  quasi 
lima  atterit,  attenuare  conatur.”  Orelli. 

83  Quce  sit  hiems  Velice , etc.  The  arrangement  in  this  Epistle  is  very 
intricate.  The  first  twenty-five  lines  form  one  strained  hyperbaton.  The 
natural  order  is : 

25.  Scribere  te  nobis,  tibi  nos  accedere  par  est, 

Quae  sit  hiems  Yeliae,  quod  coelum,  Yala,  Salerni; 

Quorum  hominum  regio,  et  qualis  via;  ( 

14.  Major  utrum  populum  frumenti  copia  pascat ; 

Collectosne  bibant  imbres,  puteosne  perennes 

Jugis  aquae ; ( ) 

22.  Tractus  uter  plures  lepores,  uter  educet  apros; 

Utra  magis  pisces  et  echinos  aequora  celent, 

Pinguis  ut  inde  domum  possim  Phaeaxque  reverti. 


) 


M‘Caul 


EP.  XV. 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


257 


credit  to  your  information)  wliat  sort  of  a winter  it  is  at  Yelia, 
wliat  the  air  at  Salernum,  what  kind  of  inhabitants  the 
country  consists  of,  and  how  the  road  is  (for  Antonius  Musa84 
[pronounces]  Baia3  to  be  of  no  service  to  me  ; yet  makes  me 
obnoxious  to  the  place,  when  I am  bathed  in  cold  water85 
even  in  the  midst  of  the  frost  [by  his  prescription].  In  truth, 
the  village  murmurs  at  their  myrtle-groves  being  deserted, 
and  the  sulphurous  waters,  said  to  expel  lingering  disorders 
from  the  nerves,  despised ; envying  those  invalids,  who  have 
the  courage  to  expose  their  head  and  breast  to  the  Clusian 
springs,  and  retire  to  Gabii  and  [such]  cold  countries.  My 
course  must  be  altered,80  and  my  horse  driven  beyond  his  ac- 
customed stages.  Whither  are  you  going  ? will  ’the  angry 
rider  say,  pulling  in  the  left-hand  rein,87  I am  not  bound  for 
Cumae  or  Baise  : — but  the  horse’s  ear  is  in  the  bit.)  [You 
must  inform  me  likewise]  which  of  the  two  people  is  sup- 

84  Antonius  Musa  was  a freeman  of  Augustus,  and  brother  of  Euphor- 
bus,  physician  to  king  Juba.  He  had  the  happiness  of  curing  Augustus 
of  a distemper,  which  his  other  physicians  thought  desperate,  and  this 
cure  raised  both  the  faculty  and  its  professors  out  of  contempt.  The 
prince  and  people  contended  in  honoring  a man  who  had  restored  a life 
so  valuable  to  the  state.  He  was  rewarded  with  a considerable  sum  of 
money ; he  was  exempted  from  all  public  taxes ; he  was  made  free  of 
Rome,  allowed  to  wear  a gold  ring,  and  his  statue  was  placed  next  to 
that  of  AEsculapius.  These  glorious  distinctions  were  not  confined  to 
him  alone,  but  extended  to  all  of  the  profession,  and  the  disciples  of  Hip- 
pocrates were  then  first  allowed  the  privileges  and  immunities  of  a Roman 
citizen.  The  cold  bath  was  now  prescribed  for  all  disorders,  but  the 
same  prescription  which  had  cured  Augustus,  having  unhappily  killed 
Marcellus,  the  science  of  physic,  and  the  people  who  practiced  it,  fell 
into  their  original  contempt.  After  this  example,  we  may  believe,  that 
Horace  would  not  be  willing  to  run  the  same  hazard,  and  therefore  wo 
may  naturally  date  this  letter  in  the  beginning  of  731,  six  or  seven 
months  after  the  recovery  of  Augustus,  which  happened  in  August.  San. 

85  This  does  not  suppose  that  he  had  already  gone  into  the  cold  bath, 
but  that  he  proposed  it,  and  was  yet  undetermined  between  that  of  Sal- 
ernum and  Yelia.  “ Perluor”  does  not  mark  a past  action,  but  the  pres- 
ent disposition,  as  if  he  had  said,  “ cum  in  eo  sum  ut  perluar.”  San. 

86  Mutandus  locus  est.  “We  must  go  no  more  to  Bairn; ” where  the 
poet  had  frequently  been.  Sanadon  blames  this  apostrophe ; for  although 
a rider  naturally  enough  may  sometimes  talk  to  his  horse,  yet  an  author 
can  hardly  be  supposed  to  sit  down  to  write  to  him. 

87  At  the  entrance  into  Campania  the  road  divides ; the  right  leads  to 
Cuma  and  Baise ; the  left  to  Capua,  Salernum,  and  Yelia.  The  horse  is 
going  to  his  usual  stage  at  Baise,  but  Horace  turns  him  to  the  left,  to  the 
Lucan  ian  road.  Torr. 


258 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


ported  by  the  greatest  abundance  of  corn  ; whether  they  drink 
rain-water  collected  [in  reservoirs],  or  from  perennial  wells  of 
never-failing  water  (for  as  to  the  wine  of  that  part  I give  my- 
self no  trouble  ; at  my  country-seat  I can  dispense  and  bear 
with  any  thing  : but  when  I have  arrived  at  a sea-port,  I insist 
upon  that  which  is  generous  and  mellow,  such  as  may  drive 
away  my  cares,  such  as  may  flow  into  my  veins  and  animal 
spirits  with  a rich  supply  of  hope,  such  as  may  supply  me  with 
words,  such  as  may  make  me  appear  young  to  my  Lucanian 
mistress).  Which  tract  of  land  produces  most  hares,  which 
boars  : which  seas  harbor  the  most  fishes  and  sea-urchins,  that 
I may  be  able  to  return  home  thence  in  good  case,  and  like  a 
Phaeacian. 

When  Maenius,  having  bravely  made  away  with  his  paternal 
and  maternal  estates,  began  to  be  accounted  a merry  fellow — a 
vagabond  droll,  who  had  no  certain  place  of  living ; who, 
when  dinnerless,  could  not  distinguish  a fellow-citizen  from  an 
enemy ; unmerciful  in  forging  any  scandal  against  any  per- 
son ; the  pest,  and  hurricane,  and  gulf  of  the  market ; what- 
ever he  could  get,  he  gave  to  his  greedy  gut.  This  fellow, 
when  he  had  extorted  little  or  nothing  from  the  favorers 
of  his  iniquity,  or  those  that  dreaded  it,  would  eat  up  whole 
dishes  of  coarse  tripe  and  lamb’s  entrails ; as  much  as  would 
have  sufficed  three  bears ; then  truly,  [like]  reformer  Bestius,88 
would  he  say,  that  the  bellies89  of  extravagant  fellows  ought 
to  be  branded  with  a red-hot  iron.  The.  same  man  [how- 
ever], when  he  had  reduced  to  smoke  and  ashes90  whatever 
more  considerable  booty  he  had  gotten  ; ’Faith,  said  he,  I do 
not  wonder  if  some  persons  eat  up  their  estates  ; since  nothing 
is  better  than  a fat  thrush,  nothing  finer  than  a large  sow’s 
paunch.  In  fact,  I am  just  such  another  myself;  for,  when 

88  Cruquius  happily  entered  into  the  spirit  of  this  passage,  when  he 
understood  Bestius  as  a person  of  different  character  from  that  of 
Msenius.  Our  commentators  have  not  only  mistaken  the  sense  of  their 
author,  but  substituted  Msenius,  in  direct  contradiction  to  all  the  manu- 
scripts, in  the  place  of  Bestius.  Corrector  hath  been  luckily  preserved 
in  a manuscript  extremely  ancient,  and  well  agrees  with  the  charac- 
ter of  Cornelius  Bestius,  whom  Persius  mentions  as  remarkable  for  a 
severity  of  manners.  Eran. 

89  The  Greeks  and  Romans  branded  the  belly  of  a gluttonous  slave ; the 
feet  of  a fugitive ; the  hands  of  a thief;  and  the  tongue  of  a babbler.  Dac. 

90  Verterat  in  fumum  ac  cinerem.  A proverbial  expression,  as  if  smoke 
and  ashes  were  all  the  remains  of  the  large  estate  he  had  consumed. 


EP.  XVI. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


259 


matters  are  a little  deficient,  I commend  the  snug  and  homely 
fare,  of  sufficient  resolution  amid  mean  provisions ; but,  if 
any  thing  be  offered  better  and  more  delicate,  I,  the  same  indi- 
vidual, cry  out,  that  ye  are  wise  and  alone  live  well,  whoso 
wealth  and  estate  are  conspicuous  from  the  elegance  of  your 
villas. 


EPISTLE  XVI. 

TO  QUINCTIUS.91 

He  describes  to  Quindius  the  form , situation , and  advantages  of  his  coun- 
try-house : then  declares  that  probity  consists  in  the  consciousness  of  good 
works;  liberty , in  probity. 

Ask  me  not,  my  best  Quinctius,  whether  my  farm  maintains 
its  master  with  cornfields,  or  enriches92  him  with  olives,  or 
with  fruits,  or  meadow  land,  or  the  elm-tree  clothed  with 
vines  : the  shape  and  situation  of  my  ground  shall  be  described 
to  you  at  large. 

There  is  a continued  range  of  mountains,  except  where 
they  are  separated  by  a shadowy  vale  ; but  in  such  a manner, 
that  the  approaching  sun  views  it  on  the  right  side,  and  de- 
parting in  his  flying  car  warms  the  left.  You  would  com- 
mend its  temperature.  What  ? If  my  [very]  briers  produce 
in  abundance  the  ruddy  cornels  and  damsens  ? If  my  oak 
and  holm-tree  accommodate  my  cattle  with  plenty  of  acorns, 
and  their  master  with  a copious  shade  ? You  would  say  that 
Tarentum,  brought  nearer  [to  Rome],  shone  in  its  verdant 
beauty.  A fountain  too,  deserving  to  give  name  to  a river, 
insomuch  that  Hebrus  does  not  surround  Thrace  more  cool  or 
more  limpid,  flows  salubrious  to  the  infirm  head,  salubrious 

91  We  may  suppose,  that  Quinctius  had  often  rallied  our  poet  on  the 
situation,  extent,  and  revenues  of  his  estate.  After  having  satisfied  all 
his  questions  in  very  few  words,  he  throws  himself  into  the  moral,  and 
touches  upon  certain  points,  probably  of  much  importance  to  Quinc- 
tius; but  all  is  pleasing,  interesting,  and  instructive.  The  name  of 
Augustus  in  the  twenty-ninth  line  is  a proof,  that  the  letter  was  writ- 
ten after  the  year  726.  San. 

92  Opulentet  is  purely  a country  word  derived  from  ops,  terra.  It  is 
not  easy  to  say  whether  Horace  invented  the  word,  but  at  least  he  gave 
it  credit,  and  it  was  afterward  used  by  Columella.  San. 


260 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


to  the  bowels.  These  sweet,  yea  now  (if  you  will  credit  me) 
these  delightful  retreats  preserve  me  to  you  in  a state  of  health 
[even]  in  the  September  season. 

You  live  well,  if  you  take  care  to  support  the  character 
which  you  bear.  Long  ago,  all  Home  has  proclaimed  you 
happy : but  I am  apprehensive,  lest  you  should  give  more  credit 
concerning  yourself  to  any  one  than  yourself ; and  lest  you 
should  imagine  a man  happy,  who  differs  from  the  wise  and 
good ; or,  because  the  people  pronounce  you  sound  and  per- 
fectly well,  lest  you  dissemble  the  lurking  fever  at  meal-times, 
until  a trembling  seize  your  greased  hands.  The  false  modesty 
of  fools  conceals  ulcers  [rather  than  have  them  cured].  If 
any  one  should  mention  battles  which  you  had  fought  by  land 
and  sea,  and  in  such  expressions  as  these  should  soothe  your 
listening  ears  : “ May  Jupiter,  who  consults  the  safety  both  of 
you  and  of  the  city,  keep  it  in  doubt,  whether  the  people 
be  more  solicitous  for  your  welfare,  or  you  for  the  people’s 
you  might  perceive  these  encomiums  to  belong  [only]  to  Au- 
gustus : when  you  suffer  yourself  to  be  termed  a philosopher, 
and  one  of  a refined  life  ; say,  pr’ythee,  would  you  answer  [to 
these  appellations]  in  your  own  name  ? To  be  sure — I like 
to  be  called  a wise  and  good  man,  as  well  as  you.  He 
who  gave  this  character  to-day,  if  he  will,  can  take  it  away  to- 
morrow : as  the  same  people,  if  they  have  conferred  the  con- 
sulship on  an  unworthy  person,  may  take  it  away  from  him  : 
“ Eesign  ; it  is  ours,”  they  cry  : I do  resign  it  accordingly, 
and  chagrined  withdraw.  Thus  if  they  should  call  me  rogue, 
deny  me  to  be  temperate,  assert  that  I had  strangled  my 
own  father  with  a halter  ; shall  I be  stung,  and  change 
color  at  these  false  reproaches  ? Whom  does  false  honor  de- 
light, or  lying  calumny  terrify,  except  the  vicious  and  sickly- 
minded  ? Who  then  is  a good  man  ? He  who  observes  the 
decrees  of  the  senate,  the  laws  and  rules  of  justice  ; by  whose 
arbitration  many  and  important  disputes  are  decided  ; by 
whose  surety  private  property,  and  by  whose  testimony  causes 
are  safe.  Yet  [perhaps]  his  own  family  and  all  the  neighbor- 
hood observe  this  man,  specious  in  a fair  outside,  [to  be]  pol- 
luted within.  If  a slave  should  say  to  me,  “ I have  not  com- 
mitted a robbery,  nor  run  away  “ You  have  your  reward  ; 
you  are  not  galled  with  the  lash,”  I reply.  “ I have  not  killed 
any  man  :”  “ You  shall  not  [therefore]  feed  the  carrion  crows 


EP.  XVI. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


261 


on  the  cross.”  I am  a good  man,  and  thrifty : your  Sabine 
friend  denies,  and  contradicts  the  fact.  For  the  wary  wolf 
dreads  the  pitfall,  and  the  hawk  the  suspected  snares,  and  the 
kite  the  concealed  hook.  The  good,  [on  the  contrary,]  hate  to 
sin  from  the  love  of  virtue ; you  will  commit  no  crime  merely 
for  the  fear  of  punishment.  Let  there  be  a prospect  of  escap- 
ing,  you  will  confound  sacred  and  profane  things  together. 
For,  when  from  a thousand  bushels  of  beans  you  filch  one,  the 
loss  in  that  case  to  me  is  less,  but  not  your  villainy.  The  hon- 
est man,  whom  every  forum  and  every  court  of  justice  looks 
upon  with  reverence,  whenever  he  makes  an  atonement  to  the 
gods  with  a swine  or  an  ox ; after  he  has  pronounced  in  a clear 
distinguishable  voice,  “ O father  Janus,  O Apollo  moves  his 
lips  as  one  afraid  of  being  heard  ; “ O fair  Laverna93  put  it  in 
my  power  to  deceive  ; grant  me  the  appearance  of  a just  and 
upright  man : throw  a cloud  of  night  over  my  frauds.”  I do 
not  see  how  a covetous  man  can  be  better,  how  more  free  than 
a slave,  when  he  stoops  down  for  the  sake  of  a penny,  stuck  in 
the  road  [for  sport].94  For  he  who  will  be  covetous,  will  also 
be  anxious  : but  he  that  lives  in  a state  of  anxiety,  will  never 
in  my  estimation  be  free.  He  who  is  always  in  a hurry,  and 
immersed  in  the  study  of  augmenting  his  fortune,  has  lost  the 
arms,  and  deserted  the  post  of  virtue.  Do  not  kill  your  captive, 
if  you  can  sell  him : he  will  serve  you  advantageously : let 
him,  being  inured  to  drudgery,  feed  [your  cattle],  and  plow ; 
let  him  go  to  sea,  and  winter  in  the  midst  of  the  waves ; let 
him  be  of  use  to  the  market,  and  import  corn  and  provisions. 
A good  and  wise  man95  will  have  courage  to  say,  “ Pentheus, 
king  of  Thebes,  what  indignities  will  you  compel  me  to  suf- 

03  In  a religion  where  every  one  made  his  own  gods,  it  was  natural 
that  thieves  and  robbers,  being  persecuted  upon  earth,  should  seek  the 
assistance  of  some  divinity  in  heaven.  That  horror  with  which  they  are 
usually  regarded,  ought  to  have  extended  to  the  goddess  who  was  their 
protectress ; but  as  she  was  also  the  guardian  of  those  who  would  not 
have  their  designs  discovered,  she  was  publicly  worshiped,  and  her 
votaries  were  called  “ Laverniones.”  Torr.  San. 

94  Comp.  Pers.  Sat.  v.  3,  Inque  Into  fixum  possis  transcendere  mini- 
mum. The  allusion  is  to  a trick  of  boys  placing  money  on  the  ground, 
either  fixed  so  tight  that  it  can  not  be  removed,  or  secured  by  a string, 
by  which  they  withdraw  it  when  any  passenger  stoops  to  take  it  up. 
M‘Caul. 

93  A really  good  man  is  he,  whom  the  loss  of  fortune,  liberty,  and  life, 
can  not  deter  from  doing  his  duty.  The  poet,  with  an  unexpected  spirit 


262 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


fer  and  endure.  ‘ I will  take  away  your  goods :’  my  cattle, 
I suppose,  my  land,  my  movables  and  money : you  may  take 
them.  ‘ I will  confine  you  with  hand-cuffs  and  fetters  un- 
der a merciless  jailer.’  The  deity  himself  will  discharge  me, 
whenever  I please.”  In  my  opinion,  this  is  his  meaning ; I 
will  die.96  Death97  is  the  ultimate  boundary98  of  human  mat- 
ters. 


EPISTLE  XVII. 

TO  SC^EVA. 

That  a life  of  business  is  preferable  to  a private  and  inactive  one ; the  friend- 
ship of  great  men  is  a laudable  acquisition , yet  their  favors  are  ever  to  be 

solicited  with  modesty  and  caution. 

Though,  Scaeva,  you  have  sufficient  prudence  of  your  own, 
and  well  know  how  to  demean  yourself  toward  your  superiors ; 
[yet]  hear  what  are  the  sentiments  of  your  old  crony,  who 
himself  still  requires  teaching,  just  as  if  a blind  man  should  un- 
dertake to  show  the  way  : however  see,  if  even  I can  advance 
any  thing,  which  you  may  think  worth  your  while  to  adopt  as 
your  own. 

If  pleasant  rest,  and  sleep  till  seven  o’clock,  delight  you ; 
if  dust  and  the  rumbling  of  wheels,  if  the  tavern  offend  you  ; 
I shall  order  you  off  for  Ferentinum.  For  joys  are  not  the 
property  of  the  rich  alone  : nor  has  he  lived  ill,  who  at  his 

and  address,  brings  a god  upon  the  stage  under  the  character  of  this  good 
man.  The  whole  passage  is  almost  an  exact  translation  of  a scene  in  the 
Bacchantes  of  Euripides.  Fran. 

95  This  could  not  be  the  sense  of  Bacchus  in  Euripides,  because  he 
would  have  Pentheus  acknowledge  him  a god,  and  of  consequence  im- 
mortal. Horace  therefore  leaves  the  Grecian  poet,  and  explains  the  words 
conformably  to  his  own  design  of  showing  that  the  fear  even  of  death  is 
not  capable  of  shaking  the  courage  of  a good  man,  or  obliging  him  to 
abandon  the  cause  of  virtue.  San. 

97  This  does  not  mean,  as  it  is  generally  understood,  that  death  is  an 
end  of  all  things,  but  of  all  our  misfortunes.  Rerum  for  rerum  malarum , 
as  in  Virgil,  “ fessi,  rerum,  sunt  lacrymse  rerum,  trepidse  rerum.  Ed. 
Dubl. 

93  Linea , a trench  drawn  round  the  arena,  to  mark  the  course  for  those 
who  entered  the  lists.  Torr.  San. 


EP.  XVII. 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


263 


birth  and  at  his  death  has  passed  unnoticed."  If  you  are  dis- 
posed to  be  of  service  to  your  friends,  and  to  treat  yourself 
with  somewhat  more  indulgence,  you,  being  poor,  must  pay 
your  respects  to  the  great.100  Aristippus,  if  he  could  dine  to 
his  satisfaction  on  herbs,  would  never  frequent  [the  tables]  of 
the  great.  If  he  who  blames  me,  [replies  Aristippus,]  knew 
how  to  live  with  the  great,  he  would  scorn  his  vegetables. 
Tell  me,  which  maxim  and  conduct  of  the  two  you  approve  ; 
or,  since  you  are  my  junior,  hear  the  reason  why  Aristippus’ 
opinion  is  preferable ; for  thus,  as  they  report,  he  baffled  the 
snarling  cynic  : “ I play  the  buffoon  for  my  own  advantage,1 
you  [to  please]  the  populace.  This  [conduct  of  mine]  is  bet- 
ter and  far  more  honorable  ; that  a horse  may  carry,  and  a 
great  man  feed  me,  pay  court  to  the  great : you  beg  for  refuse', 
an  inferior  to  the  [poor]  giver ; though  you  pretend  you  are 
in  want  of  nothing.”2  As  for  Aristippus,  every  complexion3 
of  life,  every  station  and  circumstance  sat  gracefully  upon  him, 
aspiring  in  general  to  greater  things,  yet  equal  to  the  present : 
on  the  other  hand,  I shall  be  much  surprised,  if  a contrary  way 
of  life  should  become  [this  cynic],  whom  obstinacy  clothes  with 
a double  rag.4  The  one  will  not  wait  for  his  purple  robe ; 

99  Cf.  Eur.  Iph.  Aul.  It,  Cn'kC)  6*  uvdpQv  of  d/dvdvvov  piov  k^TrepaG1 
ctyvtjc,  uK/ Orelli. 

100  Accedes  siccus  ad  unctum.  People  of  easy  fortunes  never  lay  down 
at  the  table  without  perfuming  themselves  with  essences ; from  whence 
the  words  unctus  and  siccus  were  used  to  signify  a rich  and  a poor  man. 
Tore. 

1 Aristippus  does  not  acknowledge  he  was  a buffoon,  but  makes  use  of 
the  term  to  insult  Diogenes,  an#dexterously  puts  other  words  of  civiler 
meaning  into  the  place  of  it,  when  he  speaks  of  himself — Officium  facio. 
My  buffoonery,  says  he,  procures  me  profit  and  honor;  yours  leaves 
you  in  meanness,  indigence,  nastiness,  and  contempt.  My  dependence 
is  on  kings,  to  whom  we  are  born  in  subjection : you  are  a slave  to  the 
people,  whom  a wise  man  should  despise.  San. 

2 Aristippus  pays  his  court  to  Dionysius,  without  making  any  request : 
Diogenes  asks  even  the  vilest  things  from  the  vilest  of  people.  He  would 
excuse  himself,  by  saying  he  asks  only  because  what  he  asks  is  of  little 
value ; but,  if  the  person  who  receives  an  obligation  is  inferior,  at  that 
time,  to  the  person  who  bestows  it,  he  is  inferior  in  proportion  to  the 
meanness  of  the  favor  he  receives.  Dac. 

3 Omnis  Aristippum  decuit  color.  Mr.  Sanadon  understands  color  for 
dress  or  habit.  You  are  the  only  person,  says  Plato  to  Aristippus,  who 
can  appear  equally  well-dressed  in  a coarse  cloth,  as  in  purple. 

4 Duplici  panno.  A Greek  poet  calls  Diogenes, 

'O  /3aKTpo(j)6pog , dtnh oeifiarog,  aiOepoftooKag, 


264 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


but  dressed  in  any  thing,  will  go  through  the  most  frequent- 
ed places,  and  without  awkwardness  support  either  charac- 
ter : the  other  will  shun  the  cloak  wrought  at  Miletus  with 
greater  aversion  than  [the  bite  of]  dog  or  viper  : he  will  die 
with  cold,6  unless  you  restore  him  his  ragged  garment : restore 
it,  and  let  him  live  like  a fool  as  he  is.  To  perform  exploits, 
and  show  the  citizens  their  foes  in  chains,  reaches  the  throne 
of  Jupiter,  and  aims  at  celestial  honors.  To  have  been  ac- 
ceptable to  the  great,  is  not  the  last  of  praises.  It  is  not  every 
man’s  lot  to  gain  Corinth.®  He  [prudently]  sat  still,  who  was 
afraid  lest  he  should  not  succeed : be  it  so ; what  then  ? Was 
it  not  bravely  done  by  him,  who  carried  his  point?  Either 
here  therefore,  or  nowhere,  is  what  we  are  investigating. 
The  one  dreads  the  burden,  as  too  much  for  a pusillanimous 
soul  and  a weak  constitution ; the  other  undertakes,  and  carries 
it  through.  Either  virtue  is  an  empty  name,7  or  the  man  who 
makes  the  experiment  deservedly  claims  the  honor  and  the  re- 
ward. 

The  man  who  carries  a cudgel,  wears  a double  coat,  and  feeds  upon  air . 
This  last  expression  means  a sophist,  who,  according  to  Aristophanes, 
lives  upon  the  clouds.  However,  Horace  probably  meant  only  a double 
mantle,  or  one  as  thick  as  two ; a coarse,  heavy  coat,  in  opposition  to 
furpureum  amictum.  Servius  explains  duplicem  ex  humeris  rejecit  amic - 
turn,  in  Yirgil,  in  the  same  manner.  Ed.  Dubl 

6 Aristippus  engaged  Diogenes  to  go  with  him  into  the  bath,  and, 
coming  first  out  of  the  water,  took  the  cynic’s  mantle,  and  left  him  his 
purple  robe.  But  Diogenes  declared  he  would  rather  go  naked  out  of 
the  bath  than  put  it  on.  Dac. 

6 Suidas  informs  us,  that  the  danger  mid  difficulty  of  going  into  the 
ports  of  Corinth  gave  rise  to  a proverb!^Horace  makes  use  of  it,  to  show 
that  all  people  have  not  talents  proper  for  succeeding  in  a court,  and  to 
raise  the  glory  of  those  who  have  courage  to  attempt  and  address  to  con- 
quer the  difficulties  there.  Others  apply  the  proverb  to  Lais,  a famous 
Corinthian  courtezan ; but  such  an  application  is  too  light  and  trivial  for 
the  solemnity  of  these  lines,  nor  is  it  just  to  the  poet’s  thought.  If  money 
could  purchase  her  favors,  it  required  no  great  degree  of  courage  to  at- 
tempt them.  San. 

7 This  is  the  decision  which  necessarily  results  from  the  proofs.  The 
poet  introduces  a person,  who  may  be  supposed  to  object  that,  if  it  be  so 
difficult  to  succeed  at  court,  a wise  man  had  better  not  attempt  it.  44  Se- 
dit,  qui  timuit.”  Horace  acknowledges  the  force  of  this  objection,  44  esto,’* 
but  draws  from  it  a very  different  conclusion ; that,  if  there  be  difficulty 
or  danger,  he  certainly  deserves  the  highest  praise  who  tries  to  succeed, 
44  experiens  vir;”  and,  if  virtue  be  any  thing  more  than  a chimerical 
name,  he  may  with  justice  claim  a reward  proportionable  to  his  merit, 
14  rectd  petit.”  Ed.  Dubl. 


EP.  XVII. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


265 


Those  who  mention  nothing  of  their  poverty  before  their 
lord,  will  gain  more  than  the  importunate.  There  is  a great 
difference  between  modestly  accepting,  or  seizing  by  violence. 
But  this  was  the  principle  and  source  of  every  thing  [which  I 
alleged].  He  who  says,  “ My  sister  is  without  a portion,  my 
mother  poor,  and  my  estate  neither  saleable  nor  sufficient  for 
my  support,”  cries  out  [in  effect],  “ Give  me  a morsel  of  bread 
another  whines,  “ And  let  the  platter  be  carved  out  for  me  with 
half  a share  of  the  bounty.”8  But  if  the  crow  could  have  fed 
in  silence,  he  would  have  had  better  fare,  and  much  less  of 
quarreling  and  of  envy. 

A companion  taken  [by  his  lord]  to  Brundusium,  or  the 
pleasant  Surrentum,  who  complains  of  the  ruggedness  of  the 
roads  and  the  bitter  cold  and  rains,  or  laments  that  his  chest 
is  broken  open  and  his  provisions  stolen  ; resembles  the  well- 
known  tricks  of  a harlot,  weeping  frequently  for  her  necklace, 
frequently  for  a garter  forcibly  taken  from  her ; so  that  at 
length  no  credit  is  given  to  her  real  griefs  and  losses.  Nor  does 
he,  who  has  been  once  ridiculed  in  the  streets,  care  to  lift  up  a 
vagrant9  with  a [pretended]  broken  leg ; though  abundant  tears 
should  flow  from  him  ; though,  swearing  by  holy  Osiris,10  he 
says,  “ Believe  me,  I do  not  impose  upon  you ; O cruel,  take 
up  the  lame.”  “ Seek  out  for  a stranger,”11  cries  the  hoarse 
neighborhood. 

8 This  importunate  not  only  teases  his  patron  with  perpetual  requests, 
but  provokes  others  to  make  the  same  demands.  The  poet  compares  them 
to  beggars  in  the  street,  and  gives  the  same  language,  for  “ quadra”  sig- 
nifies the  plate  upon  which  they  received  their  bread  at  a public  distri- 
bution. Ed.  Dubl. 

9 Planum.  In  Greek  this  signifies  a vagabond.  Decimus  Laberius 
first  Latinized  it,  and  Aulus  Gellius  blames  the  boldness  of  it.  But  Ci- 
cero and  Horace  refute  the  censure  of  the  grammarian.  Bond, 

19  Osiris  was  the  god  of  vagabonds,  and  brother  of  Isis,  whose  power 
of  healing  distempers  was  so  universally  believed,  that,  as  Juvenal  ex- 
presses it,  she  maintained  the  painters  by  votive  pictures  to  her  honor, 
“ Pictores  qui  nescit  ab  Iside  pasci?”  Tore. 

11  This  was  a trick  so  frequent  among  beggars,  that  it  produced  a prov- 
erb, “ Tollat  te  qui  non  novit.”  Ed  Dubl. 

12 


266 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I 


EPISTLE  XVIII. 

TO  LOLLIUS. 

He  treats  at  large  upon  the  cultivation  of  the  favor  of  great  men ; and  con- 
cludes with  a few  words  concerning  the  acquirement  of  peace  of  mind. 

If  I rightly  know  your  temper,  most  ingenuous  Lollius,  you 
will  beware  of  imitating  a flatterer,  while  you  profess  yourself 
a friend.  As  a matron  is  unlike  and  of  a different  aspect  from 
a strumpet,  so  will  a true  friend  differ  from  the  toad-eater. 
There  is  an  opposite  vice  to  this,  rather  the  greater  [of 
the  two]  ; a clownish,  inelegant,  and  disagreeable  bluntness, 
which  would  recommend  itself  by  an  unshaven  face  and  black 
teeth ; while  it  desires  to  be  termed  pure  freedom  and  true  sin- 
cerity. Virtue  is  the  medium  of  the  two  vices ; and  equally 
remote  from  either.  The  one  is  over-prone  to  complaisance, 
and  a jester  of  the  lowest  couch,12  he  so  reverences  the  rich 
man’s  nod,  so  repeats  his  speeches,  and  catches  up  his  falling 
words ; that  you  would  take  him  for  a school-boy  saying  his 
lesson  to  a rigid  master,  or  a player  acting  an  underpart;  an- 
other often  wrangles  about  a goat’s  hair,  and  armed  engages13 
for  any  trifle  : “ That  I,  truly,  should  not  have  the  first  credit ; 
and  that  I should  not  boldly  speak  aloud,  what  is  my  real  sen- 
timent— [upon  such  terms],  another  life  would  be  of  no  value.” 
But  what  is  the  subject  of  this  controversy  ? Why,  whether 
[the  gladiator]  Castor  or  Dolichos  be  the  cleverer  fellow ; wheth- 
er the  Minucian,14  or  the  Appian,  be  the  better  road  toBrundu- 
sium? 

12  Imi  derisor  lecti , i.  e a buffoon,  who  is  invited  to  an  entertainment 
for  the  amusement  of  the  host  and  his  guests,  that  never  has  an  opinion 
of  his  own,  but  merely  supports  the  sentiments  of  others,  and  serves  as 
an  auxiliary  to  his  host,  when  he  fails  in  conversation.  Imi — lecti  refers 
to  the  place  where  such  persons  were  stationed ; scil.  on  the  lowest  couch. 
Hence  in  Sat.  ii.  8,  40,  Nomentanus  and  Porcius,  Xasidienus’  jesters,  are 
termed  “ imi  lecti  convivse.”  M'Caul. 

13  But,  says  Torrentius,  “they  who  divide  the  word propugnat,  to  con- 
strue it  pugnat  pro  nugis , lose  the  beauty  of  the  passage  : nugis  armatus , 
armed  with  trifles  and  nonsense.”  So  also  Orelli. 

14  There  were  two  roads  to  Rome  from  Brundusium,  the  Appian,  which 
went  along  the  Tuscan  Sea ; and  the  Minucian,  which  crossed  over  the 
country  of  the  Sabines  and  Samnites,  joining  the  Appian  road  at  Bene- 


fiP.  XVIII. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


267 


Him  whom  pernicious  lust,  whom  quick-dispatching  dice 
strips,  whom  vanity  dresses  out  and  perfumes  beyond  his 
abilities,  whom  insatiable  hunger  and  thirst  after  money, 
whom  a shame  and  aversion  to  poverty  possess,  his  rich 
friend  (though  furnished  with  a half-score  more  vices)  hates 
and  abhors ; or  if  he  does  not  hate,  governs  him ; and,  like  a 
pious  mother,  would  have  him  more  wise  and  virtuous  than 
himself ; and  says  what  is  nearly  true : “ My  riches  (think 
not  to  emulate  me)  admit  of  extravagance ; your  income  is 
but  small : a scanty  gown  becomes  a prudent  dependant : 
cease  to  vie  with  me.”  Whomsoever  Eutrapelus  had  a mind 
to  punish,  he  presented  with  costly  garments.  For  now  [said 
he]  happy  in  his  fine  clothes,  he  will  assume  new  schemes 
and  hopes ; he  will  sleep  till  daylight ; prefer  a harlot  to  his 
honest-calling ; run  into  debt ; and  at  last  become  a gladiator, 
or  drive  a gardener’s  hack  for  hire. 

Do  not  you  at  any  time  pry  into  his  secrets ; and  keep  close 
what  is  intrusted  to  you,  though  put  to  the  torture,  by  wine 
or  passion.  Neither  commend  your  own  inclinations,  nor 
find  fault  with  those  of  others ; nor,  when  he  is  disposed  to 
hunt,  do  you  make  verses.  For  by  such  means  the  amity  of 
the  twins  Zethus  and  Amphion,  broke  off ; till  the  lyre,  dis- 
liked by  the  austere  brother,  was  silent.  Amphion  is  thought 
to  have  given  way  to  his  brother’s  humors  ; so  do  you  yield 
to  the  gentle  dictates  of  your  friend  in  power  : as  often  as  he 
leads  forth  his  dogs  into  the  fields  and  his  cattle  laden  with 
^Etolian  nets,  arise  and  lay  aside  the  peevishness  of  your  un- 
mannerly muse,15  that  you  may  sup  together  on  the  delicious 
fare  purchased  by  your  labor ; an  exercise  habitual  to  the 
manly  Romans,  of  service  to  their  fame  and  life  and  limbs  : 
especially  when  you  are  in  health,  and  are  able  either  to  excel 
the  dog  in  swiftness,  or  the  boar  in  strength.  Add  [to  this], 
that  there  is  no  one  who  handles  martial  weapons  more  graces 
fully.  You  well  know,  with  what  acclamations  of  the  spec- 
tators you  sustain  the  combats  in  the  Campus  Martius  : in  fine, 

ventum.  This  last  had  its  name  from  the  consul,  Tiberius  Minucius, 
who  made  it  in  448,  seven  years  after  that  of  Appius.  San. 

15  Senium  depone  Camcence . The  muse  is  here  called  inhumance , 
from  the  peevishness  of  poets  when  they  are  interrupted  in  their  poetical 
studies ; or  because  they  generally  love  solitude  and  retirement  from 
company.  Torr. 


268 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


as  yet  a boy,18  you  endured  a bloody  campaign  and  the  Can- 
tabrian wars,  beneath  a commander,  who  is  now  replacing 
the  standards  [recovered]  from  the  Parthian  temples  :17  and, 
if  any  thing  is  wanting,18  assigns  it  to  the  Roman  arms.  And 
that  you  may  not  withdraw  yourself,  and  inexcusably  be 
absent ; though  you  are  careful  to  do  nothing  out  of  measure 
and  moderation,  yet  you  sometimes  amuse  yourself  at  your 
country-seat.  The  [mock]  fleet  divides  the  little  boats  [into 
two  squadrons]  : the  Actian  sea-fight19  is  represented  by  boys 
under  your  direction  in  a hostile  form : your  brother  is  the 
foe,  your  lake  the  Adriatic ; till  rapid  victory  crowns  the  one 
or  the  other  with  her  bays.  Your  patron,  who  will  perceive 
that  you  come  into  his  taste,  will  applaud  your  sports  with 
both  his  hands.20 

Moreover,  that  I may  advise  you  (if  in  aught  you  stand  in 
need  of  an  adviser),  take  great  circumspection  what  you  say 
to  any  man,  and  to  whom.  Avoid  an  inquisitive  impertinent, 
for  such  a one  is  also  a tattler,  nor  do  open  ears  faithfully 

is  Lollius,  to  whom  Horace  writes,  was  with  Augustus  in  his  expedi- 
tion against  the  Cantabrians,  when  he  was  very  young,  puer.  But 
Augustus  departed  from  Rome  in  *727,  when  Lollius,  the  father,  had 
been  some  years  in  G-alatia,  where  he  was  governor  after  the  death  of 
Amyntas,  whose  kingdom  became  a province  of  the  Roman  empire. 
He  returned  to  Rome  in  732,  and  entered  upon  his  consulship  in  the 
beginning  of  the  year  following.  It  is,  therefore,  impossible  that  he 
could  have  been  with  Augustus  in  the  war  of  Spain,  and  consequently 
this  letter  could  not  have  been  written  to  him.  Cardinal  Norris. 

17  All  our  commentators  agree,  that  refigit  is  in  almost  all  the  manu- 
scripts. It  is  of  more  than  ordinary  value,  because  it  determines  the 
precise  date  of  this  Epistle  in  734,  when  Phraates  restored  the  Roman 
eagles  to  Augustus.  Horace  was  then  forty-five  years  of  age. 

13  Nunc  et  si  quid  abest.  Nunc  must  be  construed  with  refigit , as  ap- 
pears by  the  best  copies ; “ sic  enim  distinguunt  potiora  exemplaria.” 
Bent. 

19  This  little  sea-fight  is  well  introduced  by  our  poet,  and  does  much 
honor  to  Lollius.  Augustus,  in  memory  of  the  battle  of  Actium,  insti- 
tuted a tournament,  under  the  name  of  Actian  games,  which  were 
annually  celebrated  every  1st  of  August.  Sanadon  thinks  it  probable, 
that  this  naval  engagement  of  Lollius  gave  the  Romans  a first  idea  of 
those  naumachia,  with  which  they  were  afterward  entertained  by  their 
emperors.  Eran. 

20  A metaphorical  manner  of  speaking,  taken  from  the  arena.  When 
a gladiator  was  thrown  in  fighting,  the  people  asked  his  life  by  turning 
down  their  thumbs,  or  his  death  by  lifting  them  up.  “Cum  faveamus 
pollices  premere  etiam  proverbio  jubemur.”  Plin.  Torr. 


ep.  xvur. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


26D 


retain  what  is  intrusted  to  them ; and  a word,  once  sent  abroad, 
flies  irrevocably. 

Let  no  slave  within  the  marble  threshold  of  your  honored 
friend  inflame  your  heart;  lest  the  owner  of  the  beloved 
damsel  gratify  you  with  so  trifling  a present,  or,  mortifying  [to 
your  wishes],  torment  you  [with  a refusal]. 

Look  over  and  over  again  [into  the  merits  of]  such  a one, 
as  you  recommend ; lest  afterward  the  faults  of  others  strike 
you  with  shame.  We  are  sometimes  imposed  upon,  and  now 
and  then  introduce  an  unworthy  person.  Wherefore,  once 
deceived,  forbear  to  defend  one  who  suffers  by  his  own  bad 
conduct ; but  protect  one  whom  you  entirely  lqjow,  and  with 
confidence  guard  him  with  your  patronage,  if  false  accusations 
attack  him : who  being  bitten  with  the  tooth21  of  calumny,  do 
you  not  perceive  that  the  same  danger  is  threatening  you  ? 
For  it  is  your  own  concern,  when  the  adjoining  wall  is  on  fire : 
and  flames  neglected  are  wont  to  gain  strength. 

The  attending  of  the  levee  of  a friend  in  power  seems  de- 
lightful to  the  unexperienced ; the  experienced  dreads  it.  Do 
you,  while  your  vessel  is  in  the  main,  ply  your  business,  lest  a 
changing  gale  bear  you  back  again. 

The  melancholy  hate  the  merry,  and  the  jocose  the  melan- 
choly ; the  volatile  [dislike]  the  sedate,  the  indolent  the  stirring 
and  vivacious : the  quaffers  of  pure  Falernian  from  midnight 
hate  one  who  shirks  his  turn ; notwithstanding  you  swear  you 
are  afraid  of  the  fumes  of  wine  by  night.  Dispel  gloominess 
from  your  forehead : the  modest  man  generally  carries  the  look 
of  a sullen  one ; the  reserved,  of  a churl. 

In  every  thing  you  must  read  and  consult  the  learned,  by 
what  means  you  may  be  enabled  to  pass  your  life  in  an  agree- 
able manner : that  insatiable  desire  may  not  agitate  and  tor- 
ment you,  nor  the  fear  and  hope  of  things  that  are  but  of 
little  account:  whether  learning  acquires  virtue,  or  nature 
bestows  it  ? What  lessens  cares,  what  may  endear  you  to 
yourself?  What  perfectly  renders  the  temper  calm ; honor, 
or  enticing  lucre,  or  a secret  passage  and  the  path  of  an  un- 
noticed life  ? 

For  my  part,  as  often  as  the  cooling  rivulet  Digen tia  re- 

21  Dente  Theonino.  Theon  was  a Grecian  poet,  so  remarkable  for  the 
severity  and  acrimony  of  his  writings,  that  his  name  gave  rise  to  a prov- 
erb, dens  'Fheoninus.  Dac. 


270 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  I. 


freshes  me  (Digentia,  of  which  Mandela  drinks,  a village 
wrinkled  with  cold) ; what,  my  friend,  do  you  think  are  my 
sentiments,  what  do  you  imagine  I pray  for  ? Why,  that  my 
fortune  may  remain  as  it  is  now ; or  even  [if  it  be  something] 
less : and  that  I may  live  to  myself,  what  remains  of  my  time, 
if  the  gods  will  that  aught  do  remain : that  I may  have  a good 
store  of  books,  and  corn  provided  for  the  year ; lest  I fluctuate 
in  suspense  of  each  uncertain  hour.  But  it  is  sufficient  to  sue 
to  Jove  [for  these  externals],  which  he  gives  and  takes  away 
[at  pleasure]  ; let  him  grant  life,  let  him  grant  wealth : I my- 
self will  provide  equanimity  of  temper. 


EPISTLE  XIX. 

TO  MAECENAS. 

He  shows  the  folly  of  some  persons,  who  would  imitate  ; and  the  envy  of 
others , who  would  censure  him. 

O learned  Maecenas,22  if  you  believe  old  Cratinus,23  no  verses 
which  are  written  by  water-drinkers  can  please,  or  bo  long- 
lived.  Ever  since  Bacchus  enlisted  the  brain-sick  poets  among 
the  Satyrs  and  the  Fauns,  the  sweet  muses  have  usually  smelt 
of  wine  in  the  morning.  Homer,  by  his  excessive  praises  of 
wine,  is  convicted  as  a booser:  father  Ennius  himself  never 
sallied  forth  to  sing  of  arms,  unless  in  drink.  “ I will  condemn 
the  sober  to  the  bar  and  the  praetor’s  bench,24  and  deprive  the 
abstemious  of  the  power  of  singing.” 

As  soon  as  he  gave  out  this  edict,  the  poets  did  not  cease 
to  contend  in  midnight  cups,  and  to  smell  of  them  by  day. 

22  Lode  Maecenas.  This  is  not  an  expression  of  flattery,  for  Maecenas 
had  not  only  very  considerable  abilities  for  the  field  and  the  council,  but 
was  really  a man  of  learning.  Ed.  Dubl. 

23  Cratinus  loved  wine  to  such  an  excess,  that  Aristophanes  tells  us 
he  died  with  grief  at  seeing  a hogshead  broken  and  the  wine  running 
out.  Ed.  Dubl. 

24  Forum  putealque  Libonis.  Torrentius  first  perceived  that  these  words 
could  not  be  spoken  either  by  Cratinus  or  Ennius,  who  were  both  dead 
long  before  Libo  was  born ; nor  by  Bacchus,  who  surely  would  not  have 
waited  so  long  to  publish  a decree,  which  the  usages  of  so  many  poets 
had  already  established ; nor  by  Maecenas,  unless  we  read  edixti  and 
palleres , contrary  to  all  the  manuscripts.  Ed.  Dubl. 


EP.  XIX. 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


271 

What ! if  any  savage,  by  a stern  countenance  and  bare  feet, 
and  the  texture  of  a scanty  gown,  should  imitate  Cato;  will 
he  represent  the  virtue  and  morals  of  Cato?  The  tongue 
that  imitated  Timagenes  was  the  destruction  of  the  Moor,25 
while  he  affected  to  be  humorous,  and  attempted  to  seem  elo- 
quent. The  example  that  is  imitable  in  its  faults,  deceives 
[the  ignorant].  Soh ! if  I was  to  grow  up  pale  by  accident, 
[these  poetasters]  would  drink  the  blood-thinning  cumin.26 
O ye  imitators,  ye  servile  herd,  how  often  your  bustlings  have 
stirred  my  bile,  how  often  my  mirth ! 

I was  the  original,  who  set  my  free  footsteps  upon  the 
vacant  sod ; I trod  not  in  the  steps  of  others.  He  who  de- 
pends upon  himself,  as  leader,  commands  the  swarm.  I first 
showed  to  Italy  the  Parian  iambics:  following  the  numbers 
and  spirit  of  Archilochus,27  but  not  his  subject  and  style, 
which  afflicted  Lycambes.  You  must  not,  however,  crown 
me  with  a more  sparing  wreath,  because  I was  afraid  to  alter 
the  measure  and  structure  of  his  verse : for  the  manly  Sappho 
governs  her  muse28  by  the  measures  of  Archilochus,  so  does 

25  Iarbita,  says  the  Scholiast,  was  a Moor,  whose  name  was  Cordus, 
who  attempting  in  vain  to  imitate  the  wit  and  pleasantry  of  Timagenes, 
almost  burst  with  despair  and  vexation,  invidid  quodammodo  ruptus  est 
Timagenes  was  a rhetorician  of  Alexandria,  who,  having  provoked  Au- 
gustus by  too  great  a freedom  of  raillery,  was  forbidden  to  enter  the 
palace.  In  resentment  of  such  an  affront  he  burned  a history  which  ho 
had  written  of  that  emperor’s  life.  Fran. 

25  Dioscorides  assures  us,  that  cumin  will  make  people  pale  who  drink 
it,  or  wash  themselves  with  it.  Pliny  says  it  was  reported,  that  the  dis- 
ciples of  Porcius  Latro,  a famous  master  of  the  art  of  speaking,  used  it 
to  imitate  that  paleness  which  he  had  contracted  by  his  studies.  Fran. 

27  Horace  tells  us  he  had  imitated  Archilochus  in  taking  from  him 
some  particular  measure,  and  if  we  may  judge  from  the  fragments  of  the 
Grecian  poet  which  remain  to  us,  these  three  following  verses  are  some 
of  them. 

“ Pul  vis  et  umbra  sumus.” 

“ Exitio  est  avidum  mare  nautis.” 

“ Vitae  summa  brevis  spem  nos  vetat  inchoare  longam.” 

Canidia,  Cassius  Severus,  and  some  others,  must  acknowledge  that 
Horace  had  but  too  well  imitated  the  satire  and  severity  of  Archilochus, 
although  he  did  not  servilely  follow  his  expressions,  or  allow  himself 
that  bitterness  which  made  Lycambes  and  his  daughter  Neobule  hang 
themselves.  San. 

23  Sappho  et  Alceeus  Musam  suam  temper  ant  pede  Archilochi;  and  tem- 
perat  signifies,  “to  mix,”  not,  as  is  generally  understood,  “to  soften,” 
or  “ make  musical,”  for  the  verses  of  Archilochus  were  more  violent  and 


272 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


Alcaeus  ; but  differing  from  him  in  the  materials  and  disposi- 
tion [of  his  lines],  neither  does  he  seek  for  a father-in-law 
whom  he  may  defame  with  his  fatal  lampoons,  nor  does  he 
tie  a rope  for  his  betrothed  spouse  in  scandalous  verse.  Him*9 
too,  never  celebrated  by  any  other  tongue,  I the  Roman  lyrist 
first  made  known.  It  delights  me,  as  I bring  out  new  pro- 
ductions, to  be  perused  by  the  eyes,  and  held  in  the  hands  of 
the  ingenuous. 

Would  you  know  why  the  ungrateful  reader  extols  and  is 
fond  of  many  works  at  home,  unjustly  decries  them  without 
doors  ? I hunt  not  after  the  applause  of  the  inconstant  vul- 
gar, at  the  expense  of  entertainments,  and  for  the  bribe  of  a 
worn-out  coat : I am  not  an  auditor  of  noble  writers,  nor  a 
vindictive  reciter,  nor  condescend  to  court30  the  tribes  and 
desks  of  the  grammarians.  Hence  are  these  tears.  If  I say 
that  “ I am  ashamed  to  repeat  my  worthless  writings  to 
crowded  theaters,  and  give  an  air  of  consequence  to  trifles  :” 
“ You  ridicule  us,”  says  [one  of  them],  “ and  you  reserve  those 
pieces  for  the  ears  of  Jove : you  are  confident  that  it  is  you 
alone  that  can  distill  the  poetic  honey,  beautiful  in  your  own 
eyes.”  At  these  words  I am  afraid  to  turn  up  my  nose  ; and 
lest  I should  be  torn  by  the  acute  nails  of  my  adversary, 
“This  place  is  disagreeable,”  I cry  out,  “and  I demand  a 

less  harmonious  than  those  of  Alcaeus  or  Sappho.  They  took  from  him 
several  sorts  of  verse  for  their  odes,  and  Horace,  by  their  example,  hath 
taken  from  each  of  them  whatever  might  enrich  his  Latin  Lyric  poetry. 
Sax. 

23  Horace  can  only  mean  Alcaeus.  He  hath  already  said  he  was  the 
first  Roman  who  had  imitated  in  Latin  the  iambics  of  Archilochus,  and 
it  were  ridiculous  to  repeat  it  within  eight  or  nine  verses.  When  he 
says,  “Latinus  fidicen,”  he  not  only  marks  his  being  a lyric  poet  him- 
self, but  that  the  writer  whom  he  had  imitated  was  so  likewise,  which 
can  not  be  said  of  Archilochus,  who  was  never  reckoned  in  their  number. 
This  reason  will  be  more  sensible,  if  we  examine  the  different  expressions 
of  Horace  with  attention.  He  tells  us  that  he  was  the  first  Roman  Lyric 
poet  who  had  imitated  Alcaeus,  “hunc  ego,  non  alio  dictum  prius  ore, 
Latinus  fidicen;”  and  ten  verses  before  this  he  says  he  was  the  first  who 
showed  the  iambics  of  Archilochus  to  the  Latins,  “Parios  ego  primus 
iambos  ostendi  Latio.”  It  is  remarkable,  that  although  Horace  did  not 
imitate  Sappho  less  than  Archilochus  and  Alcaeus,  yet  he  does  not,  say 
he  was  the  first  of  the  Romans,  because  Catullus  and  some  other  Latin 
poets  had  written  Sapphic  verses  before  him.  Rent. 

30  Horace  laughs  at  the  meanness  of  a bad  poet  who  pays  his  court  to 
schoolmasters,  that  they  may  give  his  works  a little  reputation  by  making 
their  scholars  read  them.  Torr. 


fiP.  XX. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


273 


prorogation31  of  the  contest.”  For  contest  is  wont  to  beget 
trembling  emulation  and  strife,  and  strife  cruel  enmities  and 
funereal  war. 


EPISTLE  XX.32 

TO  HIS  BOOK. 

In  vain  he  endeavors  to  retain  his  book,  desirous  of  getting  abroad ; tells  it 

what  trouble  it  is  to  undergo,  and  imparts  some  things  to  be  said  of  him 

to  posterity. 

You  seem,  my  book,  to  look  wistfully  at  Janus  and  Vertum- 
nus  ;3*  to  the  end  that  you  may  be  set  out  for  sale,  neatly 
polished  by  the  pumice-stone  of  the  Sosii.34  You  hate  keys 
and  seals,  which  are  agreeable  to  a modest  [volume] ; you 
grieve  that  you  are  shown  but  to  a few,  and  extol  public 
places ; though  educated  in  another  manner.  Away  with  you, 
whither  you  are  so  solicitous  of  going  down  :35  there  will  be 
no  returning  for  you,  when  you  are  once  sent  out.  “Wretch 
that  I am,  what  have  I done  ? What  did  I want  '?”■ — you  will 
say : when  any  one  gives  you  ill  treatment,  and  you  know 

31  Diludia  posco.  The  Latins  used  deludere,  to  leave  off  playing. 
From  thence  came  diludia,  to  signify  a space  of  time  and  intermission  of 
fighting  given  to  the  gladiators  during  the  public  games.  Horace  there- 
fore pleasantly  begs  he  may  have  time  allowed  him  to  correct  his  verses, 
before  he  mounts  the  stage  and  plays  for  the  prize  in  public.  Fean. 

32  In  7 33,  Horace  published  a collection  of  his  Epistles  and  Satires, 
and  probably  placed  this  Epistle  at  the  head  of  them,  from  whence 
Sanadon  places  it  as  a preface  to  his  moral  poetry.  Under  an  allegory  of 
a child,  unwillingly  confined  in  his  father’s  house,  and  wishing  for  liberty, 
the  poet  gives  his  book  some  critical  advice,  which  may  be  of  much  im- 
portance to  authors  in  general.  The  character  he  draws  of  himself  is 
natural,  and  nothing  is  disguised  by  modesty  or  vanity.  Fran. 

33  Vertumnum  Janumque.  Yertumnus,  according  to  the  Scholiast, 
was  the  god  who  presided  over  buying  and  selling,  from  whence  he  had 
a statue  and  temple  in  the  forum. 

84  The  Sosii  were  a plebeian  family,  well  known  in  Rome,  two 
brothers  of  which  distinguished  themselves  by  the  correctness  of  their 
books  and  the  beauty  of  the  binding.  Comment. 

35  The  forum  was  situated  between  the  hills  on  which  Rome  was  built, 
from  whence  we  frequently  find  in  forum  decendere  in  Cicero  and 
Seneca.  The  present  reading  is  of  all  the  manuscripts.  Bent.  Cun. 
San. 


12* 


274 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  L 


that  you  will  be  squeezed  into  small  compass,30  as  soon  as  the 
eager  reader  is  satiated.37  But,  if  the  augur  be  not  prejudiced 
by  resentment  of  your  error,  you  shall  be  caressed  at  Rome 
[only]  till  your  youth  be  passed.38  When,  thumbed  by  the 
hands  of  the  vulgar,  you  begin  to  grow  dirty;  either  you 
shall  in  silence  feed  the  grovelling  book-worms,  or  you  shall 
make  your  escape  to  Utica,  or  shall  be  sent  bound  to  Herda. 
Your  disregarded  adviser  shall  then  laugh  [at  you]  : as  he, 
who  in  a passion  pushed  his  refractory  ass  over  the  precipice. 
For  who  would  save  [an  ass]  against  his  will  ? This  too 
awaits  you,  that  faltering  dotage  shall  seize  on  you,  to  teach 
boys  their  rudiments  in  the  skirts  of  the  city.39  But  when 
the  abating  warmth  of  the  sun40  shall  attract  more  ears,  you 
shall  tell  them,  that  I was  the  son  of  a freedman,  and  extended 
my  wings  beyond  my  nest ; so  that,  as  much  as  you  take 
away  from  my  family,41  you  may  add  to  my  merit : that  I was 
in  favor  with  the  first  men  in  the  state,  both  in  war  and 
peace  ; of  a short  stature,  gray  before  my  time,  calculated  for 

35  In  breve  to  cogi.  In  arcturn  volumen  contrahi  The  poet  threatens 
his  book,  that  it  shall  be  rolled  up  as  if  condemned  never  to  be  read 
again.  The  books  of  the  ancients  were  written  on  skins  of  parchment, 
which  they  were  obliged  to  unfold  and  extend  when  they  designed  to 
read.  Torr. 

37  The  lover  here  signifies  a passionate  reader ; he  seizes  a book  with 
rapture ; runs  it  over  in  haste ; his  curiosity  begins  to  be  satisfied ; his 
appetite  is  cloyed ; he  throws  it  away,  and  never  opens  it  again.  Fran. 

33  Novelty  is  a kind  of  youth,  which  gives  to  every  thing  a certain 
grace  and  value.  Few  books  have  a privilege  of  not  growing  old.  In 
general,  their  youth  is  extremely  short,  and  scarce  divided  from  their 
age.  San. 

39  There  were  schools  in  the  most  frequented  parts  of  the  city,  where 
professors  of  abilities  and  reputation  explained  the  best  Greek  and  Latin 
authors.  Children  were  taught  to  read  in  the  suburbs,  whither  Horace 
presages  his  book  should  be  banished  in  its  old  age.  This  prediction 
should  be  considered  as  a modest  pleasantry,  for  our  poet  knew  too  well 
the  value  of  his  works  to  be  afraid  of  such  a destiny.  Torr.  San. 

40  Sol  tepidus.  M.  Dacier  and  the  rest  of  the  commentators  under- 
stand the  middle  of  the  day,  when  the  sun  is  most  violent ; but  this  was 
a time  when  people  usually  retired  into  their  houses  to  avoid  the  heat. 
Sol  tepidus  may  therefore  mean  the  mildness  and  moderate  warmth  of 
evening,  when  men  of  letters  assembled,  either  in  the  public  walks  or 
shops  of  booksellers,  to  read  any  works  lately  published.  San. 

41  Nature  made  Horace  the  son  of  a public  crier,  but  his  own  merit 
made  him  the  companion  of  an  emperor,  and  gained  him  the  friendship 
of  the  greatest,  as  well  as  most  ingenious  men  of  the  Augustan  age.  Fran. 


EP.  XX. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


275 


sustaining  heat,42  prone  to  passion,  yet  so  as  to  be  soon  ap- 
peased. If  any  one  should  chance  to  inquire  my  age ; let 
him  know  that  I had  completed  four  times  eleven  Decembers, 
in  the  year  in  which  Lollius  admitted  Lepidus43  as  his 
colleague. 

42  We  may  remark,  in  many  places  of  his  works,  that  our  poet  was 
very  sensible  to  cold ; that  in  winter  he  went  to  the  sea-coast,  and  that 
he  was  particularly  fond  of  Tarentum  in  that  season,  because  it  was 
milder  there.  We  may  likewise  understand  the  words  of  his  exercises 
in  the  Campus  Martius,  as  in  his  Odes  patiens  pulveris  atque  solis , but 
the  former  sense  is  more  natural.  San. 

43  Augustus  being  in  the  year  133  in  Sicily,  the  senate  made  him  an 
offer  of  the  consulship,  which  he  refused.  This  refusal  and  his  absence 
occasioned  a very  strongly  disputed  election  between  Lepidus  and  Silanus, 
who  pretended  to  fill  his  place.  Augustus  sent  for  them  into  Sicily,  and 
forbade  them  to  return  to  Rome  until  the  election  was  ended.  By  this 
means  Lollius,  who  had  been  appointed  colleague  with  Augustus,  easily 
carried  the  votes  in  favor  of  Lepidus,  which  Horace  means  by  the  word 
duxit.  Our  poet  was  born  on  the  8th  of  December,  689,  and  conse- 
quently his  forty-fourth  year  ended  133.  San. 


THE  SECOND  BOOK 

OF  THE 

EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


EPISTLE  I. 

TO  AUGUSTUS.1 

He  honors  him  with  the  highest  compliments ; then  treats  copiously  of 
poetry , its  origin , character , and  excellence. 

Since  you  alone  support  so  many  and  such  weighty  concerns, 
defend  Italy  with  your  arms,  adorn  it  by  your  virtue,  reform 

1 Augustus  had  written  to  Horace  to  reproach  him  for  not  having 
addressed  any  part  of  his  works  to  him.  Know,  says  he,  that  I am  angry 
with  you ; or  are  you  apprehensive  it  shall  injure  your  reputation  with 
posterity,  that  you  have  been  one  of  my  friends?  These  reproaches, 
probably,  occasioned  this  Epistle,  which  is  justly  ranked  among  the  best 
performances  of  our  author,  and  not  unworthy  of  a prince  of  superior 
genius,  delicate  taste,  and  more  than  common  erudition.  It  may  be 
divided  into  four  parts.  In  the  first,  the  poet  examines  the  comparison 
between  ancients  and  moderns,  which  had  been  a matter  of  dispute  in 
almost  all  ages.  He  then  shows,  that  novelty  is  the  mother  of  all  polite 
arts,  especially  of  poetry,  that  divine  art,  which  deserves  the  greatest 
praises  and  greatest  rewards.  In  the  third  part  he  treats  of  the  theater, 
and  the  difficulty  of  succeeding  there.  In  the  last,  he  would  inform 
princes  how  much  they  are  interested  to  animate  an  emulation  among 
Epic  and  Lyric  poets,  who  have  it  in  their  power  to  make  them  immortal. 
These  different  parts  are  enlivened  by  a continual  criticism  upon  the 
manner  in  which  the  Eomans  judged  of  poets,  and  by  many  reflections, 
equally  useful  and  agreeable,  upon  the  origin  and  progress  of  poetry. 

The  date  of  this  Epistle  is  determined  by  so  many  facts,  and  so  strongly 
marked,  that  it  is  unaccountable  how  it  hath  been  mistaken.  It  mentions 
the  divine  honors  paid  to  Augustus  in  726:  the  sovereign  authority 
which  he  received  from  the  senate  in  *727 : the  reduction  of  the  Parthians 
in  734:  the  laws  which  he  made  for  the  reformation  of  manners  in  737  : 
the  conquests  of  Tiberius  and  Drusus  in  739,  742,  743,  and  shutting  the 
temple  of  Janus  in  744,  when  this  letter  was  written,  and  when  Horace 
was  in  his  fifty-second  year,  about  two  years  before  his  death:  Fran. 


EP.  I. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


277 

it  by  your  laws  ; I should  offend,  O Caesar,  against  the  public 
interests,  if  I were  to  trespass  upon  your  time  with  a long 
discourse.* 

Romulus,  and  father  Bacchus,  and  Castor  and  Pollux,  after 
great  achievements,  received  into  the  temples  of  the  gods, 
while  they  were  improving  the  world  and  human  nature,  com- 
posing fierce  dissensions,  settling  property,  building  cities,  la- 
mented that  the  esteem  which  they  expected  was  not  paid  in 
proportion  to  their  merits.  He  who  crushed  the  dire  Hydra, 
and  subdued  the  renowned  monsters  by  his  forefated  labor, 
found  envy  was  to  be  tamed  by  death  [alone].  For  he  burns 
by  his  very  splendor,  whose  superiority  is  oppressive  to  the 
arts  beneath  him  :3  after  his  decease,  he  shall  be  had  in  hon- 

2 The  poet  is  thought  to  begin  with  apologizing  for  the  shortness  of  this 
Epistle.  And  yet  it  is  one  of  the  longest  he  ever  wrote.  How  is  this  incon- 
sistency to  be  reconciled  ? The  case,  I believe,  was  this.  The  genius  of 
epistolary  writing  demands,  that  the  subject-matter  be  not  abruptly  de- 
livered, or  hastily  obtruded  on  the  person  addressed ; but,  as  the  law  of 
decorum  prescribes  (for  the  rule  holds  in  writing , as  in  conversation),  be 
gradually  and  respectfully  introduced  to  him.  This  obtains  more  par- 
ticularly in  applications  to  the  great,  and  on  important  subjects.  But  now 
the  poet,  being  to  address  his  prince  on  a point  of  no  small  delicacy,  and 
on  which  he  foresaw  he  should  have  occasion  to  hold  him  pretty  long, 
prudently  contrives  to  get  as  soon  as  possible  into  his  subject ; and,  to 
that  end,  hath  the  art  to  convert  the  very  transgression  of  this  rule  into 
the  justest  and  most  beautiful  compliment. 

That  cautious  preparation,  which  is  ordinarily  requisite  in  our  ap- 
proaches to  greatness,  had  been,  the  poet  observes,  in  the  present  case, 
highly  unseasonable,  as  the  business  and  interests  of  the  empire  must,  in 
the  mean  time,  have  stood  still  and  been  suspended.  By  sermone , then, 
we  are  to  understand,  not  the  body  of  the  Epistle,  but  the  proem  or  in- 
troduction only.  The  body,  as  of  public  concern,  might  be  allowed  to 
engage,  at  full  length,  the  emperor’s  attention ; but  the  introduction,  con- 
sisting of  ceremonial  only,  the  common  good  required  him  to  shorten  as 
much  as  possible.  It  was  no  time  for  using  an  insignificant  preamble,  or, 
in  our  English  phrase,  of  making  long  speeches.  This  reason,  too,  is 
founded,  not  merely  in  the  elevated  rank  of  the  emperor,  but  in  the  pe- 
culiar diligence  and  solicitude  with  which,  history  tells  us,  he  endeav- 
ored to  promote,  by  various  ways,  the  interests  of  his  country.  So  that 
the  compliment  is  as  just  as  it  is  polite.  It  may  be  further  observed,  that 
sermo  is  used  in  Horace  to  signify  the  ordinary  style  of  conversation  (see 
1 Sat.  3, 65,  and  4,  42),  and  therefore  not  improperly  denotes  the  familiar- 
ity of  the  epistolary  address,  which,  in  its  easy  expression,  so  nearly  ap- 
proaches to  it.  Hurd. 

3 I have  partly  followed  Anthon,  but  the  variety  of  interpretations  in 
this  passage  is  most  perplexing.  See  M ‘Caul’s  notes. 


278 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


or.  On  you,  while  present4  among  us,  we  confer  mature 
honors,  and  rear  altars  where  your  name  is  to  he  sworn  by ; 
confessing  that  nothing  equal  to  you  has  hitherto  risen,  or 
will  hereafter  rise.  But  this  your  people,  wise  and  just  in  one 
point  (for  preferring  you  to  our  own,  you  to  the  Grecian 
heroes),  by  no  means  estimate  other  things  with  like  proportion 
and  measure : and  disdain  and  detest  every  thing,  but  what 
they  see  removed  from  earth  and  already  gone  by ; such  favor- 
ers are  they  of  antiquity,  as  to  assert  that  the  Muses  [them- 
selves] upon  Mount  Alba,  dictated  the  twelve  tables,  forbidding 
to  transgress,5  which  the  decemviri  ratified ; the  leagues  of  our 
kings  concluded  with  the  Gabii,  or  the  rigid  Sabines;  the 
records  of  the  pontifices,  and  the  ancient  volumes  of  the 
augurs. 

If,  because  the  most  ancient  writings  of  the  Greeks  are  also 
the  best,®  Roman  authors  are  to  be  weighed  in  the  same  scale, 

4 ¥e  are  not  to  wonder  at  this  and  the  like  extravagances  of  adulation 
in  the  Augustan  poets.  They  had  ample  authority  for  what  they  did  of 
this  sort.  We  know  that  altars  were  decreed  and  erected  to  the  emperor 
by  the  command  of  the  senate,  and  that  he  was  publicly  invoked,  as  an 
established  tutelary  divinity.  But  the  seeds  of  the  corruption  had  been 
sown  much  earlier.  For  we  find  it  sprung  up,  or  rather  (as  of  all  the  ill 
weeds,  which  the  teeming  soil  of  human  depravity  throws  forth,  none  is 
more  thriving  and  grows  faster  than  this  of  flattery)  flourishing  at  its 
height,  in  the  tyranny  of  J.  Csesar.  Balbus,  in  a letter  to  Cicero  (Ep.  ad 
Att.  1,  ix.)  “swears  by  the  health  and  safety  of  Caesar:”  “ita,  incolumi 
Caesare,  moriar.”  And  Dio  tells  us  (L.  xliv.)  that  it  was,  by  the  express 
injunction  of  the  senate,  decreed,  even  in  Caesar’s  life-time,  that  the  Ro- 
mans should  bind  themselves  by  this  oath.  The  senate  also  (as  we  learn 
from  the  same  writer,  L.  xliii.)  upon  the  receiving  the  news  of  his  defeat 
of  Pompey’s  sons,  caused  his  statue  to  be  set  up,  in  the  temple  of  Romu- 
lus, with  this  inscription,  deo  invicto.  Hurd. 

5 The  laws  of  the  twelve  tables,  which  Horace  here  means,  might  not 
want  elegance  of  expression,  with  regard  to  the  time  when  they  were 
written.  The  treaty  of  peace  between  Tarquinius  Superbus  and  the  Gabii 
was  recorded  on  a bull’s  hide  stretched  upon  a piece  of  wood  called  Gly- 
peum,  and  we  may  believe  the  style  was  answerable  to  the  paper.  The 
Sibylline  books,  which  regulated  all  the  ceremonies  of  religion ; and  the 
works  of  poets  in  the  first  infancy  of  the  Latin  tongue,  might  have  been 
venerable  for  their  antiquity,  but  could  not  be  models  of  good  writing. 
Fran. 

6 The  common  interpretation  of  this  place  supposes  the  poet  to  admit 
the  most  ancient  of  the  Greek  writings  to  be  the  best — which  were  even 
contrary  to  all  experience  and  common  sense,  and  is  directly  confuted  by 
the  history  of  the  Greek  learning.  What  he  allows  is,  the  superiority  of 
the  oldest  Greek  writings  extant,  which  is  a very  different  thing-  The 


EP.  I. 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


279 


there  is  no  need  we  should  say  much  : there  is  nothing  hard 
in  the  inside  of  an  olive,  nothing  [hard]  in  the  outside  of  a 
nut.  We  are  arrived  at  the  highest  pitch  of  success  [in  arts]  : 
we  paint,  and  sing,  and  wrestle  more  skillfully  than  the 
annointed7  Greeks.  If  length  of  time  makes  poems  better,  as 
it  does  wine,  I would  fain  know  how  many  years  will  stamp 
a value  upon  writings.  A writer  who  died  a hundred  years 
ago,  is  he  to  be  reckoned  among  the  perfect  and  ancient,  or 
among  the  mean  and  modern  authors  ? Let  some  fixed  period 
exclude  all  dispute.  He  is  an  old  and  good  writer  who  com- 
pletes a hundred  years.  What ! one  that  died  a month  or  a 
year  later,  among  whom  is  he  to  be  ranked  ? Among  the  old 

turn  of  his  argument  confines  us  to  this  sense.  For  he  would  show  the 
folly  of  concluding  the  same  of  the  old  Roman  writers,  on  their  first  rude 
attempts  to  copy  the  finished  models  of  Greece,  as  of  the  old  Greek  writ- 
ers themselves,  who  were  furnished  with  the  means  of  producing  those 
models  by  long  discipline  and  cultivation.  This  appears,  certainly,  from 
what  follows : 

“Yenimus  ad  summum  fortunae:  pingimus  atque 
Psallimus  et  luctamur  Achivis  doctius  unctis. 

The  design  of  which  hath  been  entirely  overlooked ; for  it  hath  been 
taken  only  for  a general  expression  of  falsehood  and  absurdity,  of  just  the 
same  import  as  the  proverbial  line, 

“Nil  intra  est  oleam,  nil  extra  est  in  nuce  duri.” 

Whereas  it  was  designedly  pitched  upon  to  convey  a particular  illustra- 
tion of  the  very  absurdity  in  question,  and  to  show  the  maintainers  of  it, 
from  the  nature  of  things,  how  senseless  their  position  was.  It  is  to  this 
purpose : “ As  well  may  it  be  pretended  that  we  Romans  surpass  the 
Greeks  in  the  arts  of  painting,  music,  and  the  exercises  of  the  palaestra, 
which  yet  it  is  confessed  we  do  not,  as  that  our  old  writers  surpass  the 
modern.  The  absurdity,  in  either  case,  is  the  same.  For,  as  the  Greeks, 
who  had  long  devoted  themselves,  with  great  and  continued  application, 
to  the  practice  of  these  arts  (which  is  the  force  of  the  epithet  uncti , here 
given  them),  must  for  that  reason  carry  the  prize  from  the  Romans,  who 
have  taken  very  little  pains  about  them ; so,  the  modern  Romans,  who 
have  for  a long  time  been  studying  the  arts  of  poetry  and  composition, 
must  needs  excel  the  old  Roman  writers,  who  had  little  or  no  acquaint- 
ance with  those  arts,  and  had  been  trained  by  no  previous  discipline  to 
the  exercise  of  them.”  Hurd. 

7 Unctis.  This  is  by  no  means  a general,  unmeaning  epithet ; but  is 
beautifully  chosen  to  express  the  unwearied  assiduity  of  the  Greek  artists. 
For  the  practice  of  anointing  being  essential  to  their  agonistic  trials,  the 
poet  elegantly  puts  the  attending  circumstance  for  the  thing  itself.  And 
so,  in  speaking  of  them  as  uncti,  he  does  the  same  as  if  he  had  called 
them  “the  industrious,  or  exercising  Greeks;”  which  was  the  very  idea 
his  argument  required  him  to  suggest  to  us.  Hurd. 


280 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


book  n. 


poets,  or  among  those  whom  both  the  present  age  and  pos- 
terity will  disdainfully  reject?  lie  may  fairly  be  placed 
among  the  ancients,  who  is  younger  either  by  a short  month 
only,  or  even  by  a whole  year.  I take  the  advantage  of  this 
concession,  and  pull  away  by  little  and  little,  as  [if  they  were] 
the  hairs  of  a horse’s  tail : and  I take  away  a single  one,  and 
then  again  another  single  one ; till,  like  a tumbling  heap,8 
[my  adversary],  who  has  recourse  to  annals  and  estimates  ex- 
cellence by  the  year,  and  admires  nothing  but  what  Libitina9 
has  made  sacred,  falls  to  the  ground. 

Ennius10  the  wise,  the  nervous,  and  (as  our  critics  say)  a 
second  Homer,  seems  lightly  to  regard  what  becomes  of  his 
promises  and  Pythagorean  dreams.  Is  not  Naevius11  in  peo- 
ple’s hands,  and  sticking  almost  fresh  in  their  memory  ? So 
sacred  is  every  ancient  poem.  As  often  as  a debate  arises, 
whether  this  poet  or  the  other  be  preferable  ; Pacuvius  bears 
away  the  character  of  a learned,  Accius,  of  a lofty  writer ; 
Afranius’  gown12  is  said  to  have  fitted  Menander ; Plautus,  to 
hurry  after  the  pattern  of  the  Sicilian  Epicharmus  ; Caecilius, 
to  excel  in  gravity,  Terence  in  contrivance.  These  mighty 
Pome  learns  by  heart,  and  these  she  views  crowded  in  her 
narrow  theater ; these  she  esteems  and  accounts  her  poets 
from  Livy13  the  writer’s  age  down  to  our  time.  Sometimes 

8 Ratione  mentis  acervi.  This  argument,  called  sorites , from  a Greek 
word  crwpdf,  signifying  a heap,  is  composed  of  many  propositions  very 
little  different  from  each  other,  and  chained  together  in  such  a manner, 
that  beginning  with  a sensible,  incontestible  truth,  they  lead  by  degrees 
to  a conclusion  evidently  false.  Fran. 

9 The  goddess  of  funerals.  Cf.  Sat.  ii.  6,  19. 

10  Ennius,  who  boasted  himself  another  Homer ; who,  when  alive,  was 
anxious  to  preserve  this  mighty  character,  is  no  longer  disquieted  about 
his  reputation.  Death  has  consecrated  his  name ; the  critics  confirm  his 
title ; his  promises  are  fulfilled,  and  his  opinion  of  a transmigration  of 
souls  is  no  longer  a dream,  as  his  enemies  pretend.  Porphyrion. 

11  The  commentators  are  much  divided  whether  these  words  are  spoken 
by  Horace  or  the  person  who  disputes  with  him.  Bentley,  Cunningham, 
and  Sanadon  read  them  with  a point  of  interrogation.  11  Is  not  Nsevius 
in  the  hands  of  every  reader,  and  do  we  not  repeat  his  works  as  if  he 
was  a modern  ?”  Fran. 

J2  Afrani  toga.  A new  and  happy  expression,  alluding  to  the  subjects 
of  his  comedies,  which  were  formed  on  the  manners  and  customs  of  the 
Romans,  and  played  in  Roman  dresses.  They  were  therefore  called  to - 
gates,  as  the  Grecians  were  palliates.  Fran. 

13  Livius  Andronicus,  the  most  ancient  of  the  Latin  poets,  brought  his 
first  play  upon  the  stage  in  514.  San. 


EP.  I. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


281 


the  populace  see  right ; sometimes  they  are  wrong.  If  they 
admire  and  extol  the  ancient  poets  so  as  to  prefer  nothing 
before,  to  compare  nothing  with  them,  they  err  ; if  they  think 
and  allow  that  they  express  some  things  in  an  obsolete,  most  in 
a stiff,  many  in  a careless  manner ; they  both  think  sensibly, 
and  agree  with  me,  and  determine  with  the  assent  of  Jove  him- 
self. Not  that  I bear  an  ill-will  against  Livy’s  epics,  and  would 
doom  them  to  destruction,  which  I remember  the  severe  Or- 
bilius  taught  me  when  a boy ; but  they  should  seem  correct, 
beautiful,  and  very  little  short  of  perfect,  this  I wonder  at : 
among  which  if  by  chance  a bright  expression  shines  forth, 
and  if  pne  line  or  two  [happen  to  be]  somewhat  terse  and 
musical,  this  unreasonably  carries  off  and  sells  the  wdiole  poem. 
I am  disgusted  that  any  thing  should  be  found  fault  with,  not 
because  it  is  a lumpish  composition  or  inelegant,  but  because 
it  is  modern ; and  that  not  a favorable  allowance,  but  honor 
and  rewards14  are  demanded  for  the  old  writers.  Should  I 
scruple,  whether  or  not  Atta’s  drama  trod  the  saffron  and 
flowers15  in  a proper  manner,  almost  all  the  fathers  would  cry 
out  that  modesty  was  lost ; since  I attempted  to  find  fault 
with  those  pieces  which  the  pathetic  ^Esopus,16  which  the 
skillful  Roscius  acted : either  because  they  esteem  nothing 
right,  but  what  has  pleased  themselves ; or  because  they 
think  it  disgraceful  to  submit  to  their  juniors,  and  to  confess, 
now  they  are  old,  that  what  they  learned  wThen  young  is  de- 
serving only  to  be  destroyed.  Now  he  who  extols  Numa’s 


14  Honorem  et  proemia.  The  rewards  and  honors  which  this  disputant 
demands  for  his  favorite  ancients,  were,  having  their  works  placed,  and 
their  statues  erected,  in  the  library  of  Apollo.  Dac. 

15  Perfumed  waters  were  scattered  through  the  Roman  theaters,  and 
the  stage  was  covered  with  flowers,  to  which  Horace  pleasantly  alludes, 
when  he  supposes  the  plays  of  Atta  limping  over  the  stage  like  their 
lame  author.  Titus  Quintius  had  the  surname  of  Atta  given  him,  which 
signifies  a man  who  walks  on  tip-toe.  We  are  obliged  to  Scaliger  for 
discovering  the  beauty  of  this  passage.  Fean. 

16  AEsopus  excelled  in  tragedy,  from  whence  Horace  calls  him  gravis , 
pathetic.  Roscius  had  a lively,  natural,  familiar  manner  of  speaking, 
proper  for  comedy.  He  composed  a book  upon  theatrical  eloquence,  in 
which  he  attempted  to  prove,  that  any  sentiment  might  be  as  variously 
expressed  by  action,  as  by  the  power  of  language.  Cicero  gives  him  this 
amiable  character : u he  was  so  excellent  an  actor,  that  he  alone  seemed 
worthy  to  appear  upon  a stage ; but  he  was  a man  of  so  much  probity, 
that  he  alone  should  never  have  appeared  there.”  Fran. 


282 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


Salian17  hymn,  and  would  alone  seem  to  understand  that 
which,  as  well  as  me,  he  is  ignorant  of,  does  not  favor  and 
applaud  the  buried  geniuses,  but  attacks  ours,  enviously  hating 
us  moderns  and  every  thing  of  ours.  Whereas  if  novelty 
had  been  detested  by  the  Greeks  as  much  as  by  us,  what  at 
this  time  would  there  have  been  ancient  ? Or  what  would 
there  have  been  for  common  use  to  read  and  thumb,  common 
to  every  body. 

When  first  Greece,  her  wars  being  over,  began  to  trifle, 
and  through  prosperity  to  glide  into  folly ; she  glowed  with 
the  love,  one  while  of  wrestlers,18  another  while  of  horses ; 
was  fond  of  artificers  in  marble,  or  in  ivory,  or  in-  brass ; 
hung  her  looks  and  attention  upon  a picture  ; was  delighted 
now  with  musicians,  now  with  tragedians ; as  if  an  infant 
girl,  she  sported  under  the  nurse ; soon  cloyed,  she  abandoned 
what  [before]  she  earnestly  desired.  What  is  there  that 
pleases  or  is  odious,  which  you  may  not  think  mutable  ? 
This  effect  had  happy  times  of  peace,  and  favorable  gales 
[of  fortune]. 

At  Rome  it  was  long  pleasing  and  customary  to  be  up  early 
with  open  doors,  to  expound  the  laws  to  clients  ; to  lay  out 
money  cautiously  upon  good  securities  :19  to  hear  the  elder, 
and  to  tell  the  younger  by  what  means  their  fortunes  might 
increase  and  pernicious  luxury  be  diminished.  The  inconstant 
people  have  changed  their  mind,  and  glow  with  a universal 
ardor  for  learning  : young  men  and  grave  fathers  sup  crowned 
with  leaves,  and  dictate  poetry.  I myself,  who  affirm  that  I 

17  Saliare  Numce  carmen.  Numa  composed  hymns  in  honor  of  Mars, 
Which  were  sung  by  his  priests.  They  were  called  axamenta,  because 
they  were  written  upon  tables  of  wood,  axes.  The  language  of  them 
was  grown  so  dark  and  obsolete,  that  Cicero  confesses  he  did  not  under- 
stand them  ; and  Quintilian  says,  in  his  time  they  were  scarce  intelligible 
to  the  priests  themselves.  Fran. 

18  The  Greeks  were  so  passionately  fond  of  these  athletic  exercises, 
that  Herodotus  tells  us  they  would  not  discontinue  them,  even  during 
the  most  destructive  wars ; and  Plutarch  assures  us,  that  the  Romans  of 
his  time  were  persuaded  that  nothing  contributed  more  to  reduce  them 
to  slavery  than  their  love  for  these  diversions.  Fran. 

19  Cantos  nominibus  rectis.  “ Cauti  nummi,”  sums  of  money  lent  upon 
good  security.  Thus  the  Latins  used  ;‘cautum  tempus,  cauta  summa, 
cautum  chirographum.”  By  “ certis  nominibus”  are  to  be  understood, 
solvent  debtors,  as  in  Cicero,  “ bona  nomina.”  Torr. 


EP.  I. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


283 


write  no  verses,  am  found  more  false  than  the  Parthians  :20 
and,  awake  before  the  sun  is  risen,  I call  for  my  pen  and 
papers  and  desk.  Ho  that  is  ignorant  of  a ship  is  afraid  to 
work  a ship  ; none  but  he  who  has  learned,  dares  administer 
[even]  southern  wood  to  the  sick ; physicians  undertake  what 
belongs  to  physicians  ; mechanics  handle  tools ; but  we,  un- 
learned and  learned,  promiscuously  write  poems. 

Yet  how  great  advantages  this  error  and  this  slight  mad- 
ness has,  thus  compute : the  poet’s  mind  is  not  easily  covet- 
ous ; fond  of  verses,  he  studies  this  alone  ; he  laughs  at  losses, 
flights  of  slaves,  fires ; he  contrives  no  fraud  against  his 
partner,  or  his  young  ward ; he  lives  on  husks,  and  brown 
bread ; though  dastardly  and  unfit  for  war,  he  is  useful  at 
home,  if  you  allow  this,  that  great  things  may  derive  assist- 
ance from  small  ones.  The  poet  fashions  the  child’s  tender 
and  lisping  mouth,  and  turns  his  ear  even  at  this  time  from 
obscene  language  ; afterward  also  he  forms  his  heart  with 
friendly  precepts,  the  corrector  of  his  rudeness,  and  envy,  and 
passion;  he  records  virtuous  actions,  he  instructs  the  rising 
age  with  approved  examples,  he  comforts  the  indigent  and  the 
sick.  Whence  should  the  virgin,  stranger  to  a husband,  with 
the  chaste  boys,  learn  the  solemn  prayer,  had  not  the  muse 
given  a poet  ? The  chorus  entreats  the  divine  aid,  and  finds 
the  gods  propitious ; sweet  in  learned  prayer,  they  implore 
the  waters  of  the  heavens  ;21  avert  diseases,  drive  off  impend- 

2°  The  Romans  had  frequent  experience  of  Parthian  perfidy.  Such 
was  their  amusing  Crassus  with  a treaty  of  peace,  and  cutting  his  army 
in  pieces.  Even  their  manner  of  flying  when  they  fought,  was  a kind  of 
military  lie  and  imposture,  which  spoke  the  character  of  the  nation ; nor 
is  it  an  ill  resemblance  of  a poet  who  renounces  rhyming,  yet  continues 
to  write.  Cruq. 

21  In  the  time  of  a general  drought,  sacrifices,  called  aquilicia , were 
performed  to  Jupiter  to  implore  rain.  The  people  walked  barefooted 
in  procession,  and  hymns  were  sung  by  a chorus  of  boys  and  girls.  But 
to  reduce  the  god  to  a necessity  of  hearing  them,  they  rolled  a great 
stone,  called  lapis  manalis , through  the  streets,  being  persuaded  it  had  a 
virtue  of  bringing  down  rain.  But  the  priests  never  brought  forth  this 
miraculous  stone,  until  they  were  tolerably  well  assured  of  the  success. 
Tages  and  Baccis,  Boeotian  and  Etruscan  soothsayers,  had  remarked, 
that  the  fibers  of  the  sacrifices  were  of  a yellow  color,  when  the  wind 
turned  to  rain  after  a long  drought,  and  ordered  the  water-stones  to  be 
then  immediately  rolled.  “ Fibrse  jecinoris  sandaracei  coloris  dum  fuant, 
manales  tunc  verrere  opus  est  petras.”  Such  miracles  required  such  art 
to  support  them.  Fran. 


284 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE 


BOOK  II. 


ing  dangers,  obtain  both  peace  and  years  enriched  with  fruits. 
With  song  the  gods  above  are  appeased,  with  song  the  gods 
below. 

Our  ancient  swains,  stout  and  happy  with  a little,  after  the 
grain  was  laid  up,  regaling  in  a festival  season  their  bodies 
and  even  their  minds,  patient  of  hardships  through  the  hope 
of  their  ending,  with  their  slaves  and  faithful  wife,  the  part- 
ners of  their  labors,  atoned  with  a hog  [the  goddess] 
Earth,  with  milk  Silvanus,  with  flowers  and  wine  the  genius 
that  reminds  us  of  our  short  life.  Invented  by  this  custom, 
the  Fescennine22  licentiousness  poured  forth  its  rustic  taunts 
in  alternate  stanzas ; and  this  liberty,  received  down  through 
revolving  years,  sported  pleasingly ; till  at  length  the  bitter 
raillery  began  to  be  turned  into  open  rage,  and  threatening 
with  impunity  to  stalk  through  reputable  families.  They,  who 
suffered  from  its  bloody  tooth  smarted  with  the  pain  ; the 
unhurt  likewise  were  concerned  for  the  common  condition  : 
further  also,  a law  and  a penalty23  were  enacted,  which  for- 
bade that  any  one  should  be  stigmatized  in  lampoon.  Through 
fear  of  the  bastinado,  they  were  reduced  to  the  necessity  of 
changing  their  manner,  and  of  praising  and  delighting.  - 

Captive  Greece  took  captive  her  fierce  conqueror,  and  in- 
troduced her  arts  into  rude  Latium.  Thus  flowed  off  the 

22  The  peasants  of  Latium  had  as  little  regard  to  modesty  in  their  di- 
versions, as  the  Tuscans  had  in  their  verses.  Pescenina  was  a town  in 
Etruria,  whose  inhabitants,  in  all  their  public  entertainments,  and  in  their 
marriage  festivals  especially,  were  not  ashamed  of  licentious  and  obscene 
expressions  in  the  verses  pronounced  on  such  occasions.  When  the 
Romans  began  to  form  their  stage,  as  the  Tuscans  were  famous  for  danc- 
ing, and  theatrical  representations,  a company  of  them  were  sent  for  to 
Rome  in  the  year  342.  They  did  not  speak,  because  the  Romans  did 
not  understand  their  language,  but  they  supplied  their  want  of  speech 
by  a kind  of  dumb  declamation.  By  their  dancing,  gesture,  and  move- 
ments, regulated  by  the  sound  of  the  flute,  they  presented  every  thought 
and  sentiment  to  the  eyes  of  the  spectators.  Prom  these  beginnings  the 
Roman  theater  arose.  Sax. 

23  This  law  was  thus  expressed,  “ Si  occentassit  malum  carmen,  sivo 
condidisset,  quod  infamiam  faxit  flagitiumque  alteri,  capital  esto.”  If 
any  one  sing  or  compose  verses  injurious  to  the  reputation  or  honor  of 
another,  let  him  be  punished  with  death.  This  law  was  made  in  302, 
which  is  a proof,  says  Mr.  Sanadon,  that  the  Romans  wrote  verses  in  the 
first  ages  of  their  state.  The  poets  from  thence  changed  their  tono 
for  fear  of  being  beaten  to  death.  The  punishment  was  called  Fustuaru 
urn,  Fran.. 


EP.  I. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


285 


rougli  Saturnian  numbers,  and  delicacy  expelled  the  rank 
venom : but  for  a long  time  there  remained,  and  at  this  day 
remain  traces  of  rusticity.  For  late  [the  Roman  writer]  ap- 
plied his  genius  to  the  Grecian  pages  ; and  enjoying  rest  after 
the  Punic  wars,24  began  to  search  what  useful  matter  Sophocles, 
and  Thespis,  and  ^Eschylus  afforded  : he  tried,  too,  if  he  could 
with  dignity  translate  their  works  ; and  succeeded  in  pleasing 
himself,  being  by  nature  [of  a genius]  sublime  and  strong : 
for  he  breathes  a spirit  tragic  enough,  and  dares  successfully  ; 
but  fears  a blot,  and  thinks  it  disgraceful  in  his  writings. 

Comedy  is  believed  to  require  the  least  pains,  because  it 
fetches  its  subjects  from  common  life ; but  the  less  indul- 
gence it  meets  with,  the  more  labor  it  requires.  See  how 
Plautus25  supports  the  character  of  a lover  under  age,  hovf 
that  of  a covetous  father,  how  those  of  a cheating  pimp : 
how  Dossennus  exceeds  all  measure  in  his  voracious  parasites  ; 
with  how  loose  a sock  he  runs  over  the  stage  : for  he  is  glad 
to  put  the  money  in  his  pocket,  after  this  regardless  whether 
his  play  stand  or  fall. 

Him,  whom  glory  in  her  airy  car26  has  brought  upon  the 

24  In  514,  a year  after  the  first  Punic  war,  Livius  Andronicus  first 
brought  a play  divided  into  acts  upon  the  Roman  stage.  The  republic 
then  enjoyed  an  universal  peace,  for  the  temple  of  Janus  was  shut  in 
519.  Dac. 

25  Our  best  interpreters  imagine  that  Horace  praises  Plautus  and  Dos- 
sennus, and  proposes  them  as  examples  worthy  of  our  imitation  in  the 
beautiful  characters  in  their  plays.  On  the  contrary,  Horace,  better  to 
show  the  difficulty  of  succeeding  in  comedy,  is  willing  to  mark  some  of 
the  faults  which  the  best  theatrical  poets  have  committed.  Plautus, 
who  succeeded  so  well  in  the  plots  and  intrigues  of  his  plays,  is  very  un- 
happy in  his  characters,  which  are  generally  either  too  tame,  or  too  much 
outraged.  Dossennus  was  in  great  reputation  for  the  morality  of  his  plays, 
as  appears  by  his  epitaph,  “Hospes,  resiste,  et  sophiam  Dossenni  lege 
but  his  characters  were  of  one  unvaried  kind,  and  only  fit  for  the  diver- 
sion of  the  crowd.  Horace  pleasantly  marks  this  negligence  by  saying, 
he  walked  over  the  stage  with  his  comic  slippers  loose  and  untied. 
Heinsius.  Dac. 

25  Quern  tulit  ad  scenam  ventoso  gloria  curru , exanimat  lerdus  spectator, 
etc.  There  is  an  exquisite  spirit  of  pleasantry  in  these  lines,  which  hath 
quite  evaporated  in  the  hands  of  the  critics.  These  have  gravely  supposed 
them  to  come  from  the  person  of  the  poet,  and  to  contain  his  serious  cen- 
sure of  the  vanity  of  poetic  fame.  Whereas,  besides  the  manifest  absurdity 
of  the  thing,  its  inconsistency  with  what  is  delivered  elsewhere  on  this 
subject  (A.  P.  v.  324),  where  the  Greeks  are  commended  as  being  “ prge- 
ter  laudem  nullius  avari,”  absolutely  requires  us  to  understand  them  as 


286 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


stage,  the  careless  spectator  dispirits,  the  attentive  renders 
more  diligent : so  slight,  so  small  a matter  it  is,  which  over- 
turns or  raises  a mind  covetous  of  praise  ! Adieu  the  ludicrous 
business  [of  dramatic  writing],  if  applause  denied  brings  me 
back  meager,  bestowed  [makes  me]  full  of  flesh  and  spirits. 

This  too  frequently  drives  a\$ay  and  deters  even  an  adven- 
turous poet  ? that  they  who  are  in  number  more,  in  worth  and 
rank  inferior,  unlearned  and  foolish,  and  (if  the  equestrian 
order  dissents)  ready  to  fall  to  blows,  in  the  midst  of  the  play, 
call  for  either  a bear  or  boxers ; for  in  these  the  mob  delight. 
Nay,  even  all  the  pleasurse  of  our  knights  is  now  transferred 
from  the  ear  to  the  uncertain  eye,  and  their  vain  amusements. 
The  curtains27  are  kept  down  for  four  hours  or  more,  while 
troops  of  horse  and  companies  of  foot  flee  over  the  stage  : next 
is  dragged  forward  the  fortune  of  kings,  with  their  hands  bound 
behind  them  ; chariots,  litters,  carriages,  ships28  hurry  on  ; cap- 
tive ivory,  captive  Corinth,  is  borne  along.  Democritus,  if  he 
were  on  earth,  would  laugh ; whether  a panther  a different 

proceeding  from  an  objector ; who,  as  the  poet  hath  very  satirically  con- 
trived, is  left  to  expose  himself  in  the  very  terms  of  his  objection.  He  , 
had  just  been  blaming  the  venality  of  the  Roman  dramatic  writers.  They 
had  shown  themselves  more  solicitous  about  filling  their  pockets,  than  de- 
serving the  reputation  of  good  poets.  And,  instead  of  insisting  further 
on  the  excellence  of  this  latter  motive,  he  stops  short,  and  brings  in  a 
bad  poet  himself  to  laugh  at  it. 

“ And  what  then,”  says  he,  “ you  would  have  us  yield  ourselves  to  the 
very  wind  and  gust  of  praise ; and,  dropping  all  inferior  considerations, 
drive  away  to  the  expecting  stage  in  the  puffed  car  of  vain  glory  ? For 
what  ? To  be  dispirited,  or  blown  up  with  air,  as  the  capricious  spectator 
shall  think  fit  to  enforce  or  withhold  his  inspirations.  And  is  this  the 
mighty  benefit  of  your  vaunted  passion  for  fame  ? No ; farewell  the 
stage,  if  the  breath  of  others  is  that  on  which  the  silly  bard  is  to  depend 
for  the  contraction  or  enlargement  of  his  dimensions.”  Hurd. 

27  Auloea.  The  curtain,  in  the  ancient  theater,  when  the  play  began, 
or,  upon  extraordinary  occasions,  between  the  acts,  was  let  down  and 
placed  under  the  stage.  Thus  they  said  “ tollere  aulsea”  when  the  play 
was  done,  and  “ premere  aulaea”  when  it  began  and  the  actors  appeared. 
We  say  just  the  contrary.  Fran. 

23  Ships  either  in  picture,  says  the  old  commentator,  or  drawn  along 
the  Tiber,  which  was  not  far  from  Pompey’s  theater.  Dacier  thinks, 
there  were  subterranean  conduits,  which  poured  forth  such  a sea  of  wa- 
ter, that  a naval  combat  might  be  represented  on  it.  Indeed,  if  we  believe 
the  prodigious  accounts  given  by  historians  of  the  magnificence  and  ex- 
pense of  the  Roman  shows,  public  entertainments,  and  triumphs,  nothing 
of  this  kind  can  appear  incredible  to  us.  However,  as  the  towns  in  this 
procession  were  built  of  ivory,  we  may  believe  the  ships  were  pictures. 
Fran 


EP.  I, 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


287 


genus  confused39  with  the  camel,  or  a white  elephant  at- 
tracted the  eye  of  the  crowd.  He  would  view  the  people 
more  attentively  than  the  sports  themselves,  as  affording  him 
more  strange  sights  than  the  actor  : and  for  the  writers,  he 
would  think  they  told  their  story  to  a deaf  ass.  For  what 
voices  are  able  to  overbear  the  din  with  which  our  theaters 
resound  ? You  would  think  the  groves  of  Garganus,  or  the 
Tuscan  Sea,  was  roaring ; with  so  great  noise  are  viewed  the 
shows  and  contrivances,  and  foreign  riches  : with  which  the 
actor  being  daubed  over,  as  soon  as  he  appears  upon  the  stage, 
each  right  hand  encounters  with  the  left.  Has  he  said  any 
thing  yet  ? Nothing  at  all.  What  then  pleases  ? The  cloth 
imitating  [the  color  of]  violets,  with  the  dye  of  Tarentum. 

And,  that  you  may  not  think  I enviously  praise  those  kinds 
of  writing  which  I decline  undertaking,  when  others  handle 
them  well : that  poet  to  me  seems  able  to  walk  upon  an  ex- 
tended rope,30  who  with  his  fictions31  grieves  my  soul,  en- 
rages, soothes,  fills  it  with  false  terrors,  as  an  enchanter ; and 
sets  me  now  in  Thebes,  now  in  Athens.32 

But  of  those  too,  who  had  rather  trust  themselves  with  a 
reader,  than#  bear  the  disdain  of  an  haughty  spectator,  use  a 

29  Diversum  confusa  genus.  11  Panthera  camelo  confusa,  diversum  ta- 
men  ab  utroque  genus”  is  the  construction.  This  creature  was  first 
shown  to  the  people  by  Julius  Caesar,  as  a tame  tiger  was  by  Augustus. 
Tore. 

30  The  Romans,  who  were  immoderately  addicted  to  spectacles  of 
every  kind,  had  in  particular  esteem  the  funambuli,  or  rope-dancers ; 

“ Ita  populus  studio  stupidus  in  funambulo 
Animum  occuparat.”  Prol.  in  Hecyr. 

From  the  admiration  of  whose  tricks  the  expression  “ ire  per  extentum 
funem”  came  to  denote,  proverbially,  an  uncommon  degree  of  excellence 
and  perfection  in  any  thing.  The  allusion  is  here  made  with  much 
pleasantry,  as  the  poet  had  just  been  rallying  their  fondness  for  these 
extraordinary  achievements.  Hurd. 

31  Qui  pectus  inaniter  angit.  The  word  inaniter , as  well  as  falsis, 
applied  in  the  following  line  to  terroribus , would  express  that  wondrous 
force  of  dramatic  representation,  which  compels  us  to  take  part  in  feigned 
adventures  and  situations,  as  if  they  were  real ; and  exercises  the  pas- 
sions with  the  same  violence  in  remote,  fancied  scenes,  as  in  the  present 
distresses  of  real  life.  Hurd. 

32  We  must  understand  this  of  different  plays,  for  the  Greek  and  Ro- 
man stage  by  no  means  allowed  that  change  of  scenes  which  is  indulged 
to  an  English  theater.  Argos,  Thebes,  Athens,  according  to  the  expres- 
sion of  Torrentius,  were  the  dwelling-houses  of  tragedy.  Fran. 


288 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE 


BOOK  II. 


little  care  ; if  you  would  fill  with  books  [the  library  you  have 
erected],  an  offering  worthy  of  Apollo,  and  add  an  incentive 
to  the  poets,  that  with  greater  eagerness  they  may  apply  to 
verdant  Helicon. 

We  poets,  it  is  true  (that  I may  hew  down  my  own  vine- 
yards), often  do  ourselves  many  mischiefs,  when  we  present 
a work  to  you  while  thoughtful  or  fatigued  ; when  we  are 
pained,  if  my  friend  has  dared  to  find  fault  with  one  line : 
when,  unasked,  we  read  over  again  passages  already  repeated : 
when  we  lament  that  our  labors  do  not  appear,  and  our 
poems,  spun  out  in  a fine  thread : when  we  hope  the  thing 
will  come  to  this,  that  as  soon  as  you  are  apprised  we  are 
penning  verses,  you  will  kindly  of  yourself  send  for  us,  and 
secure  us  from  want,  and  oblige  us  to  write.  But  yet  it  is 
worth  while  to  know,  who  shall  be  the  priests33  of  your  virtue 
signalized  in  war  and  at  home,  which  is  not  to  be  trusted  to 
an  unworthy  poet.  A favorite  of  king  Alexander  the 
Great34  was  that  Choerilus,  who  to  his  uncouth  and  ill-formed 
verses  owed  the  many  pieces  he  received  of  Philip’s  royal 

33  JEdituos.  Since  the  time  that  Augustus  had  received  divine 
honors,  our  poet  looked  upon  his  actions  as  things  sacre*d.  His  virtue 
is  now  become  a goddess,  and  hath  a temple  consecrated  to  her,  and 
poets  are  the  guardians  of  it  and  of  its  mysteries.  Such  is  the  meaning 
of  JEdituos.  Fran. 

34  This  praise  of  Augustus,  arising  from  the  comparison  of  his  charac- 
ter with  that  of  Alexander,  is  extremely  fine.  It  has  been  observed  of 
the  Macedonian,  by  his  historians  and  panegyrists,  that  to  the  stern  virtues 
of  the  conqueror,  he  had  joined  the  softer  accomplishments  of  the  virtu- 
oso, in  a just  discernment  and  love  of  poetry  and  of  the  elegant  arts.  The 
one  was  thought  clear,  from  his  admiration  and  study  of  Homer ; and  the 
other,  from  his  famous  edict  concerning  Apelles  and  Lysippus,  could  not 
be  denied.  Horace  finds  means  to  turn  both  these  circumstances  in  his 
story  to  the  advantage  of  his  prince. 

From  his  extravagant  pay  of  such  a wretched  versifier  as  Choerilus,  he 
would  insinuate  that  Alexander’s  love  of  the  muse  was,  in  fact,  but  a 
blind,  unintelligent  impulse  toward  glory.  And,  from  his  greater  skill 
in  the  arts  of  sculpture  and  of  painting  than  of  verse,  he  represents  him 
as  more  concerned  about  the  drawing  of  his  figure  than  the  portraiture 
of  his  manners  and  mind.  Whereas  Augustus,  by  his  liberalities  to  V arius 
and  Yirgil,  had  discovered  the  truest  taste  in  the  art  from  which  he  ex- 
pected immortality ; and,  in  trusting  to  that  as  the  chief  instrument  of 
his  fame,  had  confessed  a prior  regard  to  those  mental  virtues  which  are 
the  real  ornament  of  humanity,  before  that  look  of  terror,  and  air  and 
attitude  of  victory,  in  which  the  brute  violence  of  Alexander  most  de* 
lighted  to  be  shown.  Hurd. 


£P.  I. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


289 


coin.  But,  as  ink  when  touched  leaves  behind  it  a mark  and 
a blot,  so  writers  as  it  were  stain  shining  actions  with  foul 
poetry.  That  same  king,  who  prodigally  bought  so  dear  so 
ridiculous  a poem,  by  an  edict  forbade  that  any  one  beside 
Apelles  should  paint  him,  or  that  any  other  {han  Lysippus 
should  mold  brass  for  the  likeness  of  the  valiant  Alexander. 
But  should  you  call  that  faculty  of  his,  so  delicate  in  discern- 
ing other  arts,  to  [judge  of]  books  and  of  these  gifts  of  the 
muses,  you  would  swear  he  had  been  born  in  the  gross  air  of 
the  Boeotians.  Yet  neither  do  Virgil  and  Varius,  your  beloved 
poets,  disgrace  your  judgment  of  them,  and  the  presents  which 
they  have  received  with  great  honor  to  the  donor  ; nor  do  the 
features  of  illustrious  men  appear  more  lively  when  expressed 
by  statues  of  brass,  than  their  manners  and  minds  expressed 
by  the  works  of  a poet.  Nor  would  I rather  compose  such 
tracts  as  these  creeping  on  the  ground,  than  record  deeds  of 
arms,  and  the  situations  of  countries,  and  rivers,  and  forts  reared 
upon  mountains,  and  barbarous  kingdoms,  and  wars  brought 
to  a conclusion  through  the  whole  world  under  your  auspices, s& 
and  the  barriers  that  confine  Janus  the  guardian  of  peace,  and 
Rome  dreaded  by  the  Parthians  under  your  government,  if  I . 
were  but  able  to  do  as  much  as  I could  wish.  But  neither 
does  your  majesty30  admit  of  humble  poetry,  nor  dares  my 
modesty  attempt  a subject  which  my  strength  is  unable  to  sup- 
port. Yet  omciousness  foolishly  disgusts  the  person  whom  it 
loves ; especially  when  it  recommends  itself  by  numbers,  and 
the  art  [of  writing.]  For  one  learns  sooner,  and  more  will- 
ingly remembers,  that  which  a man  derides,  than  that  which 
he  approves  and  venerates.  I value  not  the  zeal  that  gives 
me  uneasiness ; nor  do  I wish  to  be  set  out  any  where  in 

35  The  wars  being  ended  through  the  Roman  empire  under  the  aus- 
picia  of  Augustus,  that  is,  by  his  lieutenants,  he  shut  the  temple  of  Janus. 
But  the  two  first  times  that  he  had  shut  this  temple,  in  725  and  730,  he 
had  commanded  in  person.  Historians  inform  us,  that  it  was  open  from 
732  to  744,  when  it  was  shut  on  occasion  of  the  victories  of  Tiberius  and 
Drusus ; and  that  it  was  again  opened  at  the  end  of  the  same  year,  and 
never  shut  during  the  life  of  Augustus.  In  this  year  we  may  date  the 
present  epistle.  San. 

36  Majestas.  In  the  time  of  the  republic,  this  title  was  given  to  the 
body  of  the  people  and  the  principal  magistrates ; but  when  the  sovereign 
power  was  placed  in  a single  person,  the  title  of  majesty  was  given  to  him 
and  to  his  house,  “ Majestas  Augusti ; majestas  divinaa  domus.”  Dao. 

13 


290 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


wax37  with  a face  formed  for  the  worse,  nor  to  be  celebrated  in 
ill-composed  verses  ; lest  I blush,  when  presented  with  the 
gross  gift ; and,  exposed  in  an  open  box  along  with  my  author, 
be  conveyed  into  the  street  that  sells  frankincense,  and  spices, 
and  pepper,  and  whatever  is  wrapped  up  in  impertinent  writ- 
ings. 


EPISTLE  II. 

TO  JULIUS  FLORUS. 

In  apologizing  for  not  having  written  to  him , he  shows  that  the  well-ordering 
of  life  is  of  more  importance  than  the  composition  of  verses. 

0 Florus,  faithful  friend  to  the  good  and  illustrious  Nero, 
if  by  chance  any  one  should  offer  to  sell  you  a boy  born  at 
Tibur  and  Gabii,  and  should  treat  with  you  in  this  manner ; 
“ This  [boy  who  is]  both  good-natured  and  well-favored  from 
head  to  foot,  shall  become  and  be  yours  for  eight  thou- 
• sand  sesterces ; a domestic  slave,  ready  in  his  attendance  at 
his  master’s  nod ; initiated  in  the  Greek  language,  of  a ca- 
pacity for  any  art ; you  may  shape  out  any  thing  with  [such] 
moist  clay ; besides,  he  will  sing  in  an  artless  manner,  but 
yet  entertaining  to  one  drinking.  Lavish  promises  lessen 
credit,  when  any  one  cries  up  extravagantly  the  wares  he  has 
for  sale,  which  he  wants  to  put  off.  No  emergency  obliges 
me  [to  dispose  of  him] : though  poor,  I am  in  nobody’s  debt. 
None  of  the  chapmen  would  do  this  for  you ; nor  should  every 
body  readily  receive  the  same  favor  from  me.  Once,  [in 
deed,]  he  [loitered38  on  an  errand]  ; and  (as  it  happens) 

37  Horace,  with  much  solemn  pleasantry,  talks  as  if  he  were  a man  who 
deserved  a statue  to  be  erected  to  his  honor,  or  was  to  be  made  the  hero 
of  an  epic  poem.  In  the  next  line  he  seems  determined  to  refuse  any 
honors  that  might  be  paid  him  by  a fulsome  poetical  flatterer,  and  is 
justly  apprehensive  of  being  carried  with  his  author  to  wrap  up  frankin- 
cense and  spices  in  vico  tlmario.  Fran. 

38  Cessavit.  This  word,  which  properly  signifies  to  loiter,  remisse  et 
oscitanter  agere , gives  only  a general  idea  of  a trivial  fault,  but  this  idea 
is  determined  by  fug  a in  the  second  line  following.  The  lad  is  found  to 
be  a common  fugitive,  a fault  so  considerable,  that  a merchant  was 
obliged  to  mention  it  particularly,  or  the  sale  was  void.  Fran. 


EP.  II. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


291 


absconded,  being  afraid  of  the  lash  that  hangs  in  the  stair- 
case.39 Give  me  your  money,  if  this  runaway  trick,  which  I 
have  expected,  does  not  offend  you.”  In  my  opinion,  the  man 
may  take  his  price,  and  be  secure  from  any  punishment : you  wit- 
tingly purchased  a good-for-nothing  boy : the  condition  of  the 
contract40  was  told  you.  Nevertheless  you  prosecute  this  man, 
and  detain  him  in  an  unjust  suit. 

I told  you,  at  your  setting  out,  that  I was  indolent  :41  I told 
you  I was  almost  incapable  of  such  offices  : that  you  might 
not  chide  me  in  angry  mood,  because  no  letter  [from  me]  came 
to  hand.  What  then  have  I profited,  if  you  nevertheless 
arraign  the  conditions  that  make  for  me  ? On  the  same  score 
too  you  complain,  that,  being  worse  than  my  word,  I do  not 
send  you  the  verses  you  expected. 

A soldier  of  Lucullus,  [having  run  through]  a great  many 
hardships,  was  robbed  of  his  collected  stock  to  a penny,  as  he 
lay  snoring  in  the  night  quite  fatigued : after  this,  like  a 
ravenous  wolf,  equally  exasperated  at  himself  and  the  enemy, 
eager,  with  his  hungry  fangs,  he  beat  off  a royal  guard  from  a 
post  (as  they  report)  very  strongly  fortified,  and  well  supplied 
with  stores.  Famous  on  account  of  this  exploit,  he  is  adorned 
with  honorable  rewards,  and  receives  twenty  thousand  ses- 
terces into  the  bargain.  It  happened  about  this  time  that  his 
officer  being  inclined  to  batter  down  a certain  fort,  began  to 
encourage  the  same  man,  with  words  that  might  even  have 
given  courage  to  a coward  : “ Go,  my  brave  fellow,  whither 
your  valor  calls  you  : go  with  prosperous  step,  certain  to  re- 
ceive ample  rewards  of  your  merit.  Why  do  you  hesitate  ? 
Upon  this,  he  arch,  though  a rustic : “ He  who  has  lost  his 
purse,42  will  go  whither  you  wish,”  says  he. 

39  The  construction  is,  latuii  metuens  habence  pendentis  in  scalis.  That 
their  slaves  might  have  the  punishment  always  before  their  eyes,  the 
whip  was  hung  on  the  staircase.  Torr.  Dac. 

40  Lex  does  not  here  signify  law , but  the  form,  the  condition  of  the 
bargain  when  the  sale  was  made,  des  nummos,  excepta  nihil  te  si  fuga 
Icedat , without  which,  the  merchant  was  liable  to  an  action,  actionem 
redhibitoriam  during  six  months.  Ed.  Duel. 

41  The  first  of  seven  reasons,  which  Horace  gives  for  not  writing,  is 
his  natural  indolence.  The  second  is  an  allusion  to  the  story  of  Lucullus 
his  soldier ; that  a poet  of  an  easy  fortune  should  write  verses  only  for 
his  amusement.  San. 

42  The  ancients  carried  their  money  in  a purse  tied  to  their  girdles, 
from  whence  we  find  in  Plautus,  “ sector  zonar^is,”  a cut-purse.  Alex- 


292 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL 


It  was  my  lot  to  have  Home  for  my  nurse,43  and  to  be  in- 
structed [from  the  Iliad]  how  much  the  exasperated  Achilles 
prejudiced  the  Greeks.  Good  Athens44  give  me  some  addi- 
tional learning : that  is  to  say,  to  be  able  to  distinguish  a right 
line  from  a curve,  and  seek  after  truth  in  the  groves  of  Aca- 
demus.4&  But  the  troublesome  times  removed  me  from  that 
plesant  spot;  and  the  tide  of  a civil  war  carried  me  away, 
unexperienced  as  I was,  into  arms,  [into  arms]  not  likely  to 
be  a match  for  the  sinews  of  Agustus  Caesar.  Whence,  as 
soon  as  [the  battle  of]  Philippi  dismissed  me  in  an  abject 
condition,  with  my  wings  clipped,  and  destitute  both  of  house 
and  land,  daring  poverty46  urged  me  on  to  the  composition  of 
verses : but  now,  having  more  than  is  wanted,  what  medicines 
would  be  efficacious  enough  to  cure  my  madness,  if  I did  not 
think  it  better  to  rest  than  to  write  verses. 

The  advancing  years  rob  us  of  every  thing : they  have 
taken  away  my  mirth,  my  gallantry,  my  revelings,  and  play : 
they  are  now  proceeding  to  force  poetry  from  me.  What 
would  you  have  me  do  ? 

In  short,  all  persons  do  not  love  and  admire  the  same  things. 

ander  Severus,  used  to  say,  a soldier  is  never  afraid;  but  when  he  is  well 
armed,  well  clothed,  well  fed,  and  has  money  in  his  purse.  When  he  is 
poor  and  hungry,  he  is  fit  for  any  desperate  action.  Fran. 

43  Horace  went  to  Rome  in  696,  when  he  was  about  seventeen  or  eight- 
een years  of  age,  and  read  humanity  under  Orbilius  Pupillus.  San. 

44  He  went  to  Athens  in  *709,  when  he  was  nineteen  years  old,  to 
study  philosophy.  His  reading  Homer,  and  his  father’s  instructions,  had 
already  much  improved  him,  but  at  Athens  he  acquired  something  more ; 
for  he  not  only  studied  other  parts  of  philosophy  there,  but  learned  mo- 
rality by  reasoning  and  principles.  San. 

45  The  name  of  Academus  is  one  of  those  which  the  sciences  have 
consecrated  to  immortality  with  the  greatest  justice.  He  was  a rich 
Athenian,  who  in  his  regard  for  philosophy,  left  to  the  philosophers,  for 
holding  their  assemblies,  a fine  house  at  Athens,  adorned  with  a mag- 
nificent gallery,  a number  of  statues,  and  a park,  planted  with  trees. 
Plato  had  his  school  there,  from  whom  the  philosophers  of  his  sect  were 
called  Academicians.  Horace  characterizes  this  school  by  what  dis- 
tinguished it  from  all  others ; its  not  boasting  that  it  had  found  truth, 
but  only  professing  to  search  for  it,  “ quserere  verum.”  Torr. 

48  We  must  not  understand  these  words  literally,  as  if  Horace  never 
wrote  verses  before  the  battle  of  Philippi,  but  that  he  did  not  apply  his  ge- 
nius to  poetry,  as  to  a profession,  before  that  time.  The  satire  “ Proscripti 
Regis  Rupili,”  was  apparently  written  while  he  was  in  Brutus’s  army. 
This  frank  confession  of  his  misfortunes  has  much  sincerity,  and  he  makes 
it  more  willingly,  since  it  turns  to  the  glory  of  Augustus.  Ha  a 


EP.  11. 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


293 


Ye  delight  in  the  ode:  one  man  is  pleased  with  iambics; 
another  with  satires  written  in  the  manner  of  Bion,  and  vi- 
rulent wit.  Three  guests  scarcely  can  be  found  to  agree, 
craving  very  different  dishes  with  various  palate.  What  shall 
I give  ? What  shall  I not  give  ? You  forbid,  what  another 
demands  : what  you  desire,  that  truly  is  sour  and  disgustful  to 
the  [other]  two. 

Beside  other  [difficulties],  do  you  think  it  practicable  for 
me  to  write  poems  at  Koine,  amid  so  many  solicitudes  and 
so  many  fatigues?  One  calls  me  as  his  security,  another  to 
hear  his  works,  all  business  else  apart ; one  lives  on  the 
mount  of  Quirinus,  the  other  in  the  extremity  of  the  Aven- 
tine ; both  must  be  waited  on.  The  distances  between  them, 
you  see,  are  charmingly  commodious.47  “ But  the  streets  are 
clear,  so  that  there  can  be  no  obstacle  to  the  thoughtful.” — A 
builder  in  heat  hurries  along  with  his  mules  and  porters  : the 
crane  whirls  aloft  at  one  time  a stone,  at  another  a great  piece 
of  timber : the  dismal  funerals  dispute  the  way  with  the  un- 
wieldy carriages : here  runs  a mad  dog,  there  rushes  a sow 
begrimed  with  mire.  Go  now,  and  meditate  with  yourself 
your  harmonious  verses.  All  the  whole  choir  of  poets  love  the 
grove,  and  avoid  cities,  due  votaries  to  Bacchus48  delighting 
in  repose  and  shade.  Would  you  have  me,  amid  so  great 
noise  both  by  night  and  day,  [attempt]  to  sing,  and  trace  the 
difficult  footsteps  of  the  poets  ? A genius  who  has  chosen 
quiet  Athens  for  his  residence,  and  has  devoted  seven  years 
to  study,  and  has  grown  old  in  books  and  study,  frequently 
walks  forth  more  dumb  than  a statue,  and  shakes  the  people’s 
sides  with  laughter:  here,  in  the  midst  of  the  billows  and 
tempests  of  the  city,  can  I be  thought  capable  of  connecting 
words  likely  to  wake  the  sound  of  the  lyre  ? 

At  Rome  there  was  a rhetorician,  brother  to  a lawyer ; [so 
fond  of  each  other  were  they,]  that  they  would  hear  nothing 
but  the  mere  praises  of  each  other : insomuch,  that  the  latter 
appeared  a Gracchus  to  the  former,  the  former  a Mucius49  to 

47  These  hills  were  at  the  extremities  of  Rome  north  and  south,  from 
Whence  the  poet  ironically  says  “ humane  commoda,  no  unreasonable 
distance.”  Ed.  Duel. 

43  The  poets  sacrificed  to  Bacchus  every  year  in  the  month  of  March. 
His  festival  was  called  Liberalia,  and  Ovid  tells  us  he  had  frequently 
assisted  at  them.  The  summits  of  Parnassus  were  consecrated  to  that  god. 

49  Commentators  have  caused  some  confusion  here  by  not  perceiving 


294 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL, 


the  latter.  Why  should  this  frenzy  affect  the  obstreperous 
poets  in  a less  degree  ? I write  odes,  another  elegies  : a work 
wonderful  to  behold,  and  burnished  by  the  nine  muses  ! Ob- 
serve first,  with  what  a fastidious  air,  with  what  importance 
we  survey  the  temple  [of  Apollo]  vacant  for  the  Roman  poets. 
In  the  next  place  you  may  follow  (if  you  are  at  leisure)  and 
hear  what  each  produces,  and  wherefore  each  weaves  for  him- 
self the  crown.  Like  Samnite  gladiators  in  slow  duel,  till 
candle-light,  we  are  beaten  and  waste  out  the  enemy  with 
equal  blows  : I came  off  Alcaeus,  in  his  suffrage  ; he  is  mine, 
who  ? Why  who  but  Callimachus  ? Or,  if  he  seems  to  make 
a greater  demand,  he  becomes  Mimnermus,  and  grows  in  fame 
by  the  chosen  appellation.  Much  do  I endure  in  order  to 
pacify  this  passionate  race  of  poets,  when  I am  writing  ; and 
submissive  court  the  applause  of  the  people ; [but,]  having 
finished  my  studies  and  recovered  my  senses,  I the  same  man 
can  now  boldly  stop  my  open  ears  against  reciters. 

Those  who  make  bad  verses  are  laughed  at : but  they  are 
pleased  in  writing,  and  reverence  themselves ; and  if  you  are 
silent,  they,  happy,  fall  to  praising  of  their  own  accord  what- 
ever they  have  written.  But  he  who  desires  to  execute  a 
genuine  poem,  will  with  his  papers  assume  the  spirit  of  an 
honest  critic  : whatever  wTords  shall  have  but  little  clearness 
and  elegance,  or  shall  be  without  weight  and  held  unworthy 
of  estimation,  he  will  dare  to  displace  : though  they  may  re- 
cede with  reluctance,  and  still  remain  in  the  sanctuary  of 
Vesta : those  that  have  been  long  hidden  from  the  people  he 
kindly  will  drag  forth,  and  bring  to  light  those  expressive 
denominations  of  things  that  were  used  by  the  Catos  and 

to  what  Mucius  reference  is  made.  There  were  three  celebrated  lawyers 
of  this  name,  P.  Mucius  Scsevola,  and  two  Q.  Mucii  Scsevolse.  P.  Mu- 
cius Scsevola,  consul  A.  u.  c.  620,  the  same  year  that  Tiberius  Gracchus 
was  tribune,  is  the  person  here  mentioned.  Q.  Mucius  Scsevola,  son  of 
that  Publius,  and  called  by  Crassus,  Cic.  de  Orat.  i.  39,  “ Jurisperitorum 
eloquentissimus,  eloquentium  jurisperitissimus,”  was  the  colleague  of 
Crassus  in  the  consulship,  a.  u.  c.  658,  while  the  Q.  Mucius  Scsevola 
under  whose  care  Cicero  was  placed  by  his  father  on  assuming  the  toga 
virilis,  was  the  son-in-law  of  Lselius,  and  the  father-in-law  of  L.  Crassus 
the  orator.  Bentley  insists  that  he  should  read  Crassus  for  Gracchus. 
Crassus  and  Scsevola  were  cotemporaries,  and  colleagues  in  tribunato, 
censorship,  and  consulship,  A.  u.  c.  659.  Gracchus  was  much  senior  to 
Mucius,  and  inferior  to  him  in  eloquence.  Crassus  and  Mucius  support 
the  dialogue  in  the  first  book  of  Cic.  de  Orat.  M£Caul. 


EP.  II. 


295 


EPISTLES  OP  HORACE. 

# 

Cetliegi  of  ancient  times,  though  now  deformed  dust  and 
neglected  age  presses  upon  them : he  will  adopt  new  words, 
which  use,  the  parent  [of  language],  shall  produce  : forcible 
and  perspicuous,  and  bearing  the  utmost  similitude  to  a limpid 
stream,  he  will  pour  out  his  treasures,  and  enrich  Latium 
with  a comprehensive  language.  The  luxuriant  he  will  lop, 
the  too  harsh  he  will  soften  with  a sensible  cultivation  : those 
void  of  expression  he  will  discard : he  will  exhibit  the  appear- 
ance of  one  at  play ; and  will  be  [in  his  invention]  on  the  rack, 
like  [a  dancer  on  the  stage],  who  one  while  affects  the  motions 
of  a satyr,  at  another  of  a clumsy  cyclops. 

I had  rather  be  esteemed  a foolish  and  dull  writer,  while 
my  faults  please  myself,  or  at  least  escape  my  notice,  than  be 
wise  and  smart  for  it.  There  lived  at  Argos  a man  of  no 
mean  rank,  who  imagined  that  he  was  hearing  some  admir- 
able tragedians,  a joyful  sitter  and  applauder  in  an  empty 
theater : who  [nevertheless]  could  support  the  other  duties  of 
life  in  a just  manner ; a truly  honest  neighbor,  an  amiable 
host,  kind  toward  his  wife,  one  who  could  pardon  his  slaves, 
nor  would  rave  at  the  breaking  of  a bottle-seal : one  who 
[had  sense  enough]  to  avoid  a precipice,  or  an  open  well. 
This  man,  being  cured  at  the  expense  and  by  the  care  of  his 
relations,  when  he  had  expelled  by  the  means  of  pure  helle- 
bore the  disorder  and  melancholy  humor,  and  returned  to 
himself ; “ By  Pollux,  my  friends  (said  he),  you  have  de- 
stroyed, not  saved  me ; from  whom  my  pleasure  is  thus  taken 
away,  and  a most  agreeable  delusion  of  mind  removed  by 
force.” 

In  a word,  it  is  of  the  first  consequence  to  be  wise  in  the 
rejection  of  trifles,  and  leave  childish  play  to  boys  for  whom 
it  is  in  season,  and  not  to  scan  words  to  be  set  to  music  for 
the  Roman  harps,  but  [rather]  to  be  perfectly  an  adept  in  the 
numbers  and  proportions  of  real  life.  Thus  therefore  I com- 
mune with  myself,  and  ponder  these  things  in  silence  : “ If 
no  quantity  of  water  would  put  an  end  to  your  thirst,  you 
would  tell  it  to  your  physicians.  And  is  there  none  to  whom 
you  dare  confess,  that  the  more  you  get  the  more  you  crave  ? 
If  you  had  a wound  which  was  not  relieved  by  a plant  or 
root  prescribed  to  you,  you  would  refuse  being  doctored 
with  a root  or  plant  that  did  no  good.  You  have  heard 
that  vicious  folly  left  the  man,  on  whom  the  gods  conferred 


296 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  II. 


wealth  ; and  though  you  are  nothing  wiser,  since  you  become 
richer,  will  you  nevertheless  use  the  same  monitors  as  before  ? 
But  could  riches  make  you  wise,  could  they  make  you  less 
covetous  and  mean-spirited,  you  well  might  blush,  if  there  lived 
on  earth  one  more  avaricious  than  yourself.” 

If  that  be  any  man’s  property  which  he  has  bought  by  the 
pound  and  penny,50  [and]  there  be  some  things  to  which  (if 
you  give  credit  to  the  lawyers)  possession  gives  a claim,51 
[then]  the  field  that  feeds  you  is  you*  own  ; and  Orbius’ 
steward,  when  he  harrows  the  corn  which  is  soon  to  give  you 
flour,  finds  you  are  [in  effect]  the  proper  master.  You  give 
your  money ; you  receive  grapes,  pullets,  eggs,  a hogshead  of 
strong  wine  : certainly  in  this  manner  you  by  little  and  little 
purchase  that  farm,  for  which  perhaps  the  owner  paid  three 
hundred  thousand  sesterces,  or  more.  What  does  it  signify, 
whether  you  live  on  what  was  paid  for  the  other  day,  or  a 
long  while  ago  ? He  who  purchased  the  Aricinian  and  Vei- 
entine  fields  some  time  since,  sups  on  bought  vegetables,  how- 
ever he  may  think  otherwise ; boils  his  pot  with  bought  wood 
at  the  approach  of  the  chill  evening.  But  he  calls  all  that 
his  own,  as  far  as  where  the  planted  poplar  prevents  quarrels 
among  neighbors  by  a determinate  limitation : as  if  any 
thing  were  a man’s  property,  which  in  a moment  of  the  fleet- 
ing hour,  now  by  solicitations,  now  by  sale,  now  by  violence, 
and  now  by  the  supreme  lot  [of  all  men],  may  change  masters 
and  come  into  another’s  jurisdiction.  Thus  since  the  per- 
petual possession  is  given  to  none,  and  one  man’s  heir  urges 
on  another’s,  as  wave  impels  wave,  of  what  importance  are 
houses,  or  granaries  ; or  what  the  Lucanian  pastures  joined  to 
the  Calabrian ; if  Hades,  inexorable  to  gold,  mows  down  the 
great  together  with  the  small  ? 

Gems,  marble,  ivory,  Tuscan52  statues,  pictures,  silver- 
plate,  robes  dyed  with  Getulian  purple,  there  are  who  can 

50  Libra  mercatur  et  cere.  In  the  reign  of  Servius  Tullus,  the  Romans 
weighed  their  money  before  witnesses,  in  a bargain  of  buying  and  selling. 
When  this  custom  was  afterward  changed,  yet  the  same  expression  con- 
tinued. Ed.  Dubl. 

51  Mancipat  usus.  To  prevent  the  perpetual  vexations  of  law-suits,  the 
laws  wisely  established,  that  possession  and  enjoyment  for  a certain  num- 
ber of  years  should  confirm  a title  and  ascertain  the  property  of  an  estate. 
This  right  of  prescription  was  called  usucapio.  Ed.  Dubl. 

52  The  Tuscans  were  famous  for  making  statues  and  vases  of  earth  and 


EP.  IL 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


297 


not  acquire;  and  there  are  others,  who  are  not  solicitous 
of  acquiring.  Of  two  brothers,  why  one  prefers  lounging, 
play,  and  perfume,  to  Herod’s  rich  palm-tree  groves  why 
the  other,  rich  and  uneasy,  from  the  rising  of  the  light  to  the 
evening  shade,  subdues  his  woodland  with  fire  and  steel : our 
attendant  genius  knows,  who  governs  the  planet  of  our  na- 
tivity, the  divinity  [that  presides]  over  human  nature,  who 
dies  with  each  individual,  of  various  complexion,  white  and 
black. 

I will  use,  and  take  out  from  my  moderate  stock,  as  much 
as  my  exigence  demands  : nor  will  I be  under  any  apprehen- 
sions what  opinion  my  heir  shall  hold  concerning  me,  when 
he  shall  find  [I  have  left  him]  no  more  than  I had  given  me. 
And  yet  I,  the  same  man,  shall  be  inclined  to  know  how  far 
an  open  and  cheerful  person  differs  from  a debauchee,  and 
how  greatly  the  economist  differs  from  the  miser.  For  there 
is  some  distinction  whether  you  throw  away  your  money  in  a 
prodigal  manner,  or  make  an  entertainment  without  grudging, 
nor  toil  to  accumulate  more  ; or  rather,  as  formerly  in  Minerva’s 
holidays,64  when  a school-boy,  enjoy  by  starts  the  short  and 
pleasant  vacation. 

Let  sordid  poverty  be  far  away.  I,  whether  borne  in  a 
large  or  small  vessel,  let  me  be  borne  uniform  and  the  same.  I 
am  not  wafted  with  swelling  sail  before  the  north  wind  blow- 
ing fair : yet  I do  not  bear  my  course  of  life  against  the  ad- 

copper  gilt,  with  which  they  decorated  their  temples  and  apartments. 
Vestes,  in  the  next  line,  not  only  signifies  clothes,  but  all  sorts  of  tapes' 
try,  carpets,  etc. ; and,  to  show  how  unnecessary  these  ornaments  are, 
the  poet  says  there  are  many  people  who  never  give  themselves  any 
trouble  or  concern  about  them.  San. 

53  Judea  was  famous  for  its  woods  of  palm,  from  whence  Herod  drew 
a considerable  revenue.  He  began  to  reign  in  717  ; he  reigned  seventeen 
years,  and  died  in  750,  between  the  13th  and  28th  of  March,  three  month? 
after  the  birth  of  our  Saviour.  San. 

54  Festis  quinquatribus.  According  to  the  mythological  traditions,  Mi- 
nerva came  into  the  world  the  19th  of  March,  and  therefore  that  day  waa 
consecrated  to  her.  Four  days  afterward  there  was  another  festival, 
called  tubilustrium  sacrorum , the  purification  of  the  musical  instruments 
used  in  the  sacrifices.  These  two  festivals  were  afterward  united,  by 
including  the  three  days  which  separated  them,  and  they  were  from 
thence  called  quinquatrus  or  quinquatria.  This  festival  was  a joyful  va- 
cation for  school-boys,  and  some  of  them  diverted  themselves  at  their 
master’s  expense,  by  spending  their  Minerval,  a present  sent  to  him  in 
money  by  their  parents.  Dac.  San. 


298 


EPISTLES  OF  HORACE. 


BOOK  IL 


verse  south.  In  force,  genius,  figure,  virtue,  station,  estate,  the 
last  of  the  first-rate,  [yet]  still  before  those  of  the  last. 

You  are  not  covetous,  [you  say]  : — go  to. — What  then  ? 
Have  the  rest  of  your  vices  fled  from  you,  together  with  this  ? 
Is  your  breast  free  from  vain  ambition  ? Is  it  free  from  the 
fear  of  death  and  from  anger?  Can  you  laugh  at  dreams, 
magic  terrors,  wonders,  witches,  nocturnal  goblins,  and  Thes- 
salian prodigies  ? Do  you  number  your  birth-days  with  a 
grateful  mind  ? Are  you  forgiving  to  your  friends  ? Do  you 
grow  milder  and  better  as  old  age  approaches  ? What  profits 
you  only  one  thorn  eradicated  out  of  many?  If  you  do  not 
know  how  to  live  in  a right  manner,  make  way  for  those  that 
do.  You  have  played  enough,  eaten  and  drunk  enough,  it  is 
time  for  you  to  walk  off : lest  having  tippled  too  plentifully, 
that  age  which  plays  the  wanton  with  more  propriety,  should 
ridicule  and  drive  you  [off  the  stage]. 


HORACE’S  BOOK 

UPON 

THE  AKT  OF  POETRY. 


TO  THE  PISOS. 

If  a painter1  should  wish  to  unite  a horse’s  neck  to  a human 
head,  and  spread  a variety  of  plumage  over  limbs  [of  different 
animals]  taken  from  every  part  [of  nature],2  so  that  what  is 
a beautiful  woman  in  the  upper  part  terminates  unsightly  in 
an  ugly  fish  below ; could  you,  my  friends,  refrain  from 

1 All  that  our  poet  says  here  may  be  referred,  in  general,  to  three 
heads,  the  fable,  the  manners,  and  the  diction.  ¥e  should  take  notice 
that  this  piece  particularly  regards  epic  and  dramatic  poetry,  and  that  our 
author  only  occasionally  mentions  any  other  kind. 

The  most  important  precept  for  the  composition  of  a poem  is  unity  and 
simplicity  of  design.  There  should  be  only  one  action,  to  which  all  the 
incidents  ought  to  refer ; and  this  point  of  perfection,  every  regular  work 
requires.  To  show  the  necessity  of  this  rule,  Horace  compares  an  irreg- 
ular poem  to  pictures  formed  by  a wild  assortment  of  many  parts  en- 
tirely unlike  each  other.  Every  part,  considered  in  itself,  may  have  its 
proper,  natural  perfection,  while  their  union  produces  nothing  but  what 
is  monstrous  and  ridiculous.  Fran. 

The  critic’s  rules  must  be  taken  either,  1.  from  the  general  standing 
laws  of  composition ; or,  2.  from  the  peculiar  ones,  appropriated  to  'the 
kind.  Now  the  direction  to  be  fetched  from  the  former  of  these  sources 
will  of  course  precede,  as  well  on  account  of  its  superior  dignity,  as  that 
the  mind  itself  delights  to  descend  from  universals  to  the  consideration  of 
particulars.  Agreeably  to  this  rule  of  nature,  the  poet,  having  to  correct, 
in  the  Roman  drama,  these  three  points,  1.  a misconduct  in  the  disposi- 
tion ; 2.  an  abuse  of  language ; and,  3.  a disregard  of  the  peculiar  char- 
acters and  colorings  of  its  different  species,  hath  chosen  to  do  this  on 
principles  of  universal  nature ; which,  while  they  include  the  case  of  the 
drama,  at  the  same  time  extend  to  poetic  composition  at  large.  These 
prefatory,  universal  observations  being  delivered,  he  then  proceeds,  with 
advantage,  to  the  second  source  of  this  art,  viz.,  the  consideration  of  the 
laws  and  rules  peculiar  to  the  kind.  Hurd. 

2 But  Orelli  more  rightly  treats  “collatis  membris”  as  the  ablative 
absolute. 


300 


HORACE’S  ART  OE  POETRY. 


laughter,  were  you  admitted  to  such  a sight  ? Believe,  ye 
Pisos,  the  book  will  be  perfectly  like  such  a picture,  the  ideas 
of  which,  like  a sick  man’s  dreams,  are  all  vain  and  fictitious : 
so  that  neither  head  nor  foot  can  correspond  to  any  one  form. 
“Poets  and  painters  [you  will  say]  have  ever  had  equal  au- 
thority for  attempting  any  thing.”  We  are  conscious  of  this, 
and  this  privilege  we  demand  and  allow  in  turn : but  not  to 
such  a degree,  that  the  tame  should  associate  with  the  savage ; 
nor  that  serpents  should  be  coupled  with  birds,  lambs  with 
tigers. 

In  pompous  introductions,3  and  such  as  promise  a great 
deal,  it  generally  happens  that  one  or  two  verses  of  purple 
patch-work,  that  may  make  a great  show,  are  tagged  on  ; as 
when  the  grove  and  the  altar  of  Diana  and  the  meandering  of 
a current  hastening  through  pleasant  fields,  or  the  river 
Rhine,  or  the  rainbow  is  described.  But  here  there  was  no 
room  for  these  [fine  things] : perhaps,  too,  you  know  how  to 
draw  a cypress  :4  but  what  is  that  to  the  purpose,  if  he,  who 
is  painted  for  the  given  price,  is  [to  be  represented  as]  swim- 
ming hopeless  out  of  a shipwreck  ? A large  .vase  at  first  was 

3 These  preparatory  observations,  concerning  the  laws  of  poetic  com- 
position at  large,  have  been  thought  to  glance  more  particulaly  at  the 
epic  poetry  which  was  not  improper:  for,  1.  the  drama  which  he  was 
about  to  criticise,  had  its  rise  and  origin  from  the  epos.  Thus  we  are  told 
by  the  great  critic,  that  Homer  was  the  first  who  invented  dramatic  imi- 
tations fiovoi ; — on  fu/uiTjoeLQ  dpapanKag  etzo'ltjge.  2.  The  several  cen- 
sures, here  pointed  at  the  epic,  would  bear  still  more  directly  against  the 
tragic  poem ; it  being  more  glaringly  inconsistent  with  the  genius  of  the 
drama  to  admit  of  foreign  and  digressive  ornaments,  than  of  the  extended, 
episodical  epopceia.  Eor  both  these  reasons,  it  was  altogether  pertinent 
to  the  poet’s  purpose,  in  a criticism  on  the  drama,  to  expose  the  vicious 
practice  of  the  epic  models.  Though,  to  preserve  the  unity  of  his  piece, 
and  for  a further  reason  (see  note  on  v.  1),  he  hath  artfully  done  this 
under  the  cover  of  general  criticism.  Hurd. 

4 Boughs  of  cypress  were  carried  in  funeral  processions,  and  placed 
before  the  houses  of  the  great,  upon  particular  occasions  of  sorrow, 
Et  non  plebeios  Indus  testata  cupressus.  Lucan.  From  hence,  perhaps, 
this  tree  was  usually  drawn  in  votive  tablets ; in  pictures  carried  by 
beggars,  to  excite  charity ; and  in  those  used  by  lawyers  in  courts  of 
justice,  to  raise  the  compassion  of  the  judges,  by  representing  the  dis- 
tresses of  their  clients.  A painter  might,  by  frequent  practice,  excel  in 
drawing  a tree  for  which  there  was  such  demand;  and  he  therefore 
absurdly  determines  to  show  his  skill  upon  all  occasions,  even  by  painting 
it  in  the  middle  of  the  ocean,  and  making  it  overshadow  the  storm.  The 
commentators  understand  this  passage  in  a different  manner.  Fran. 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


301 


designed  : why,  as  the  wheel  revolves,  turns  out  a little  pitcher  ? 
In  a word,  be  your  subject  what  it  will,  let  it  be  merely  simple 
and  uniform. 

The  great  majority  of  us  poets,  father,  and  youths  worthy 
such  a father,  are  misled  by  the  appearance  of  right.  I labor 
to  be  concise,  I become  obscure : nerves  and  spirit  fail  him, 
that  aims  at  the  easy  : one,  that  pretends  to  be  sublime,  proves 
bombastical : he  who  is  too  cautious  and  fearful  of  the  storm, 
crawls  along  the  ground  : he  who  wants  to  vary  his  subject 
in  a marvelous  manner,6  paints  the  dolphin  in  the  woods,  the 
boar  in  the  sea.  The  avoiding  of  an  error  leads  to  a fault,  if  it 
lack  skill. 

A statuary  about  the  ^Emilian  school  shall  of  himself,  with 
singular  skill,6  both  express  the  nails,  and  imitate  in  brass  the 
flexible  hair ; unhappy  yet  in  the  main,  because  he  knows  not 
how  to  finish  a complete  piece.  I would  no  more  choose  to  be 
such  a one  as  this,  had  I a mind  to  compose  any  thing,  than  to 
live  with  a distorted  nose,  [though]  remarkable  for  black  eyes 
and  jetty  hair. 

Ye  who  write,  make  choice  of  a subject  suitable  to  your 
abilities ; and  revolve  in  your . thoughts  a considerable  time 
what  your  strength7  declines,  and  what  it  is  able  to  support. 
Neither  elegance  of  style,  nor  a perspicuous  disposition,  shall 
desert  the  man,  by  whom  the  subject  matter  is  chosen  ju- 
diciously. 

5 The  word  prodigialiter  apparently  refers  to  that  fictitious  monster, 
under  which  the  poet  allusively  shadows  out  the  idea  of  absurd  and  in- 
consistent composition.  The  application,  however,  differs  in  this,  that, 
whereas  the  monster,  there  painted,  was  intended  to  expose  the  extrava- 
gance of  putting  together  incongruous  parts,  without  any  reference  to  a 
whole,  this  prodigy  is  designed  to  characterize  a whole,  but  deformed.by 
the  ill-judged  position  of  its  parts.  The  former  is  like  a monster,  whoso 
several  members  as  of  right  belonging  to  different  animals,  could  by  no 
disposition  be  made  to  constitute  one  consistent  animal.  The  other,  like 
a landscape  which  hath  no  objects  absolutely  irrelative,  or  irreducible  to 
a whole,  but  which  a wrong  position  of  the  parts  only  renders  prodigious. 
Send  the  boar  to  the  woods,  and  the  dolphin  to  the  waves;  and  the 
painter  might  show  them  both  on  the  same  canvas. 

Each  is  a violation  of  the  law  of  unity,  and  a real  monster : the  one, 
because  it  contains  an  assemblage  of  natural  incoherent  parts ; the  other, 
because  its  parts,  though  in  themselves  coherent,  are  misplaced  and  dis- 
jointed. Hurd. 

6 “ Unus”=“  prseter  cseteros,”  “ melius  quam  reliqui  omnes.”  Ore^ui. 
The  reading  before  Bentley  was  “imus.” 

7 Literally,  “shoulders,”  a phrase  derived  from  wrestlers. 

18* 


302 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


This,  or  I am  mistaken,  will  constitute  the  merit  and  beauty 
of  arrangement,  that  the  poet  just  now  say  what  ought  just 
now  to  be  said,  put  off  most  of  his  thoughts,  and  waive  them 
for  the  present. 

In  the  choice  of  his  words,  too,  the  author  of  the  projected 
poem  must  be  delicate  and  cautious,  he  must  embrace  one  and 
reject  another : you  will  express  yourself  eminently  well,  if  a 
dexterous  combination  should  give  an  air  of  novelty  to  a well- 
known  word.  If  it  happen  to  be  necessary  to  explain  some 
abstruse  subjects  by  new  invented  terms ; it  will  follow  that 
you  must  frame  words  never  heard  of  by  the  old-fashioned8 
Cethegi : and  the  license  will  be  granted,  if  modestly  used : 
and  new  and  lately-formed  words  will  have  authority,  if  they 
descend  from  a Greek  source,  with  a slight  deviation.  But 
why  should  the  Romans  grant  to  Plutus  and  Csecilius  a priv- 
ilege denied  to  Virgil  and  Varius  ? Why  should  I be  envied, 
if  I have  it  in  my  power  to  acquire  a few  words,  when  the 
language  of  Cato  and  Ennius  has  enriched  our  native  tongue, 
and  produced  new  names  of  things  ? It  has  been,  and  ever 
will  be,  allowable  to  coin  a word  marked  with  the  stamp  in 
present  request.  As  leaves  in  the  woods  are  changed  with 
the  fleeting  years ; the  earliest  fall  off  first : in  this  manner 
words  perish  with  old  age,  and  those  lately  invented  flourish 
•and  thrive,  like  men  in  the  time  of  youth.  We,  and  our  works, 
are  doomed  to  death : whether  Neptune,9  admitted  into  the 
continent,  defends  our  fleet  from  the  north  winds,  a kingly 
work;  or  the  lake,  for  a long  time  unfertile  and  fit  for  oars, 
now  maintains  its  neighboring  cities  and  feels  the  heavy 
plow ; or  the  river,  taught  to  run  in  a more  convenient 

8*  Cindutis.  Having  the  tunic  tightened  by  the  cinctus,  or  wearing  the 
cinctus  instead  of  the  tunic,  as  appears  to  have  been  the  custom  of  the 
ancient  Romans.  This  was  a vest  which  passed  round  the  waist,  and 
extended  down  to  the  feet.  That  it  was  an  ancient  vesture  may  appear 
from  its  being  used  by  the  Luperci.  Comp.  Ovid.  Fast.  v.  101.  As  it 
did  not  embarrass  the  motion  of  the  arms,  even  after  the  tunic  became 
part  of  the  dress,  it  was  sometimes  substituted  for  it  by  those  who  had 
occasion  to  use  much  bodily  exertion.  Hence  cindutis  is  supposed  by 
some  to  have  a meaning  here  similar  to  that  of  succindus , “ active,  in- 
dustrious.” Others  explain  the  word  as  referring  to  that  arrangement  of 
the  toga  called  “cinctus  G-abinus.”  M‘Caul. 

9 Agrippa  opened  a communication  between  the  Lucrine  and  Avernian 
Lakes  in  III,  and  built  a magnificent  haven  there,  which  he  named 
Portius  Julius,  in  honor  of  Augustus,  who  was  at  that  time  only  called 
Julius  Octavianus.  Sax. 


nORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


303 


channel,  has  changed  its  course  which  was  so  destructive10 
to  the  fruits.  Mortal  works  must  perish : much  less  can  the 
honor  and  elegance  of  language  be  long-lived.  Many  words 
shall  revive,11  which  now  have  fallen  off;  and  many  which 
are  now  in  esteem  shall  fall  off,  if  it  be  the  will  of  custom, 
in  whose  power  is  the  decision  and  right  and  standard  of 
language. 

Homer  has  instructed  us  in  what  measure  the  achieve- 
ments18 of  kings,  and  chiefs,  and  direful  war  might  be 
written. 

Plaintive  strains  originally  were  appropriated  to  the  un- 
equal numbers  [of  the  elegiac]  :13  afterward  [love  and]  suc- 
cessful desires  were  included.  Yet  what  author  first  published 
humble14  elegies,  the  critics  dispute,  and  the  controversy  still 
waits  the  determination  of  a judge. 

10  The  Scholiast  informs  us,  that  Agrippa  opened  a canal  to  receive  the 
waters  of  the  Tiber,  which  had  overflowed  the  country. 

* 11  This  revival  of  old  words  is  one  of  those  niceties  in  composition,  not 
to  be  attempted  by  any  but  great  masters.  It  may  be  done  two  ways : 
1.  by  restoring  such  terms  as  are  grown  entirely  obsolete ; or  2.  by  select- 
ing out  of  those  which  have  still  a currency,  and  are  not  quite  laid  aside, 
such  as  are  most  forcible  and  expressive.  These  choice  words,  among 
such  as  are  still  in  use,  I take  to  be  those  which  are  employed  by  the  old 
writers  in  some  peculiarly  strong  and  energetic  sense,  yet  so  as  with  good 
advantage  to  be  copied  by  the  moderns,  without  appearing  barbarous  or 
affected.  (See  Hor.  lib.  ii.  ep.  ii.  v.  115.)  The  other  use  of  old  terms, 
i.  e.  when  become  obsolete,  he  says,  must  be  made  jparce,  more  sparingly. 
Hurd. 

12  The  purport  of  these  lines  (from  v.  73  to  86),  and  their  connection 
with  what  follows,  hath  not  been  fully  seen.  They  would  express  this 
general  proposition,  “ That  the  several  kinds  of  poetry  essentially  differ 
from  each  other,  as  may  be  gathered,  not  solely  from  their  different  sub- 
jects, but  their  different  measures ; which  good  sense,  and  an  attention 
to  the  peculiar  natures  of  each,  instructed  the  great  inventors  and  mas- 
ters of  them  to  employ.  The  use  made  of  this  proposition  is  to  infer, 
“ That  therefore  the  like  attention  should  be  had  to  the  different  species 
of  the  same  kind  of  poetry  (v.  89,  etc.),  as  in  the  case  of  tragedy  and 
comedy  (to  which  the  application  is  made),  whose  peculiar  differences 
and  correspondences,  as  resulting  from  the  natures  of  each,  should,  in 
agreement  to  the  universal  law  of  decorum,  be  exactly  known  and  dili- 
gently observed  by  the  poet.”  Hurd. 

13  Elegy  was  at  first  only  a lamentation  for  the  death  of  a person  be- 
loved, and  probably  arose  frem  the  death  of  Adonis.  It  was  afterward 
applied  to  the  joys  and  griefs  of  lovers.  Torr. 

14  The  pentameter,  which  Horace  calls  “ exiguum,”  because  it  has  a 
foot  less  than  the  hexameter.  For  the  same  reason  he  says,  “ versibus 
impariter  j unctis.  ” D ac. 


304 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


Rage  armed  Archilochus  with  the  iambic  of  his  own  in- 
vention. The  sock  and  the  majestic  buskin  assumed  this 
measure  as  adapted  for  dialogue,  and  to  silence  the  noise  of 
the  populace,  and  calculated  for  action. 

To  celebrate  gods,  and  the  sons  of  gods,  and  the  victorious 
wrestler,  and  the  steed  foremost  in  the  race,  and  the  in- 
clination of  youths,  and  the  free  joys  of  wine,  the  muse  has 
allotted  to  the  lyre. 

If  I am  incapable  and  unskillful  to  observe  the  distinction 
described,  and  the  complexions  of  works  [of  genius],  why  am 
I accosted  by  the  name  of  “ Poet  ?”  Why,  out  of  false  modesty, 
do  I prefer  being  ignorant  to  being  learned  ? 

A comic  subject  will  not  be  handled  in  tragic  verse  :15  in 
like  manner  the  banquet  of  Thyestes  will  not  bear  to  be  held 
in  familiar  verses,  and  such  as  almost  suit  the  sock.  Let 

13  Indignatur  item , etc. — Coena  Thyestce.  “II  met  le  souper  de  Thyeste 
pour  toutes  sortes  de  tragedies,”  says  M.  Dacier,  with  whom  agrees  the 
whole  band  of  commentators : but  why  this  subject  should  be  singled  out, 
as  the  representative  of  the  rest,  is  nowhere  explained  by  any  of  them. 
We  may  be  sure,  it  was  not  taken  up  at  random.  The  reason  was,  that 
the  Thyestes  of  Ennius  was  peculiarly  chargeable  with  the  fault  here 
censured ; as  is  plain  from  a curious  passage  in  the  Orator,  where  Cicero, 
speaking  of  the  loose  numbers  of  certain  poets,  observes  this,  in  particu* 
lar,  of  the  tragedy  of  Thyestes,  “Similia  sunt  qusedam  apud  nostros: 
velut  in  Thyeste, 

Quemnam  te  esse  dicam  ? qui  tarda  in  senectute, 
et  quae  sequuntur : quae,  nisi  cum  tibicen  accesserit,  oratione  sunt  solutae 
simillimae:”  which  character  exactly  agrees  to  this  of  Horace,  wherein 
the  language  of  that  play  is  censured,  as  flat  and  prosaic,  and  hardly 
rising  above  the  plain  narrative  of  an  ordinary  conversation  in  comedy. 
This  allusion  to  a particular  play,  written  by  one  of  their  best  poets,  and 
frequently  exhibited  on  the  Roman  stage,  gives  great  force  and  spirit  to 
the  precept,  at  the  same  time  that  it  exemplifies  it  in  the  happiest  man- 
ner. It  seems  further  probable  to  me,  that  the  poet  also  designed  an  in- 
direct compliment  to  Yarius,  whose  Thyestes  we  are  told  (Quinctil.  1.  x. 
c.  1)  was  not  inferior  to  any  tragedy  of  the  Greeks.  This  double  inten- 
tion of  these  lines  well  suited  to  the  poet’s  general  aim,  which  is  seen 
through  all  his  critical  works,  of  beating  down  the  excessive  admiration 
of  the  old  poets,  and  of  asserting  and  advancing  the  just  honors  of  the 
deserving  moderns.  It  may  further  be  observed,  that  the  critics  have  not 
felt  the  force  of  the  words  exponi  and  narrari  in  this  precept.  They  are 
admirably  chosen  to  express  the  two  faults  condemned : the  first  imply- 
ing a kind  of  pomp  and  ostentation  in  the  language,  which  is  therefore 
improper  for  the  low  subjects  of  comedy ; and  the  latter,  as  I have  hinted, 
a flat,  prosaic  expression,  not  above  the  cast  of  a common  narrative,  and 
therefore  equally  unfit  for  tragedy.  Hurd. 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


305 


each  peculiar  species  [of  writing]  fill  with  decorum  its  proper 
place.  Nevertheless  sometimes  even  comedy  exalts  her  voice, 
and  passionate  Chremes  rails  in  a tumid  strain : and  a tragic 
writer  generally  expresses  grief  in  a prosaic  style.  Telephus 
and  Peleus,  when  they  are  both  in  poverty  and  exile,  throw 
aside  their  rants  and  gigantic  expressions  if  they  have  a mind 
to  move  the  heart  of  the  spectator  with  their  complaint. 

It  is  not  enough  that  poems  be  beautiful;16  let  them  be 
tender  and  affecting,  and  bear  away  the  soul  of  the  auditor 
whithersoever  they  please.  As  the  human  countenance  smiles 
on  those  that  smile,  so  does  it  sympathize  with  those  that 
weep.  If  you  would  have  me  weep  you  must  first  express 
the  passion  of  grief  yourself;  then,  Telephus  or  Peleus,  your 
misfortunes  hurt  me : if  you  pronounce  the  parts  assigned  you 
ill,  I shall  either  fall  asleep  or  laugh. 

Pathetic  accents  suit  a melancholy  countenance ; words  full 
of  menace,  an  angry  one ; wanton  expressions,  a sportive  look ; 
and  serious  matter,  an  austere  one.  For  nature  forms  us  first 
within  to  every  modification  of  circumstances ; she  delights  or 
impels  us  to  anger,  or  depresses  us  to  the  earth  and  afflicts  us 
with  heavy  sorrow : then  expresses  those  emotions  of  the 
mind  by  the  tongue,  its  interpreter.  If  the  words  be  dis- 
cordant to  the  station  of  the  speaker,  the  Roman  knights  and 
plebians  will  raise  an  immoderate  laugh.  It  will  make  a 
wide  difference,  whether  it  be  Davus  that  speaks,  or  a hero ; 
a man  well-stricken  in  years,  or  a hot  young  fellow  in  his 
bloom ; and  a matron  of  distinction,  or  an  officious  nurse ; a 
roaming  merchant,  or  the  cultivator  of  a verdant  little  farm ; 
a Colchian,  or  an  Assyrian ; one  educated  at  Thebes,  or  one 
at  Argos. 

You,  that  write,  either  follow  tradition,17  or  invent  such 

15  Non  satis  est  pulchra , etc.  Bentley  objects  to  pulchra  because 
this,  he  says,  is  a general  term  including  under  it  every  species  of  beauty, 
and  therefore  that  of  dulcis  or  the  affecting.  As  if  general  terms  were 
not  frequently  restrained  and  determined  to  a peculiar  sense  by  the  con- 
text. But  the  great  critic  did  not  sufficietly  attend  to  the  connection, 
which,  a3  F.  Robertellus,  in  his  paraphrase  on  the  epistle,  well  observes, 
stands  thus:  “It  is  not  enough,  that  tragedies  have  that  kind  of  beauty 
which  arises  from  a pomp  and  splendor  of  diction,  they  must  also  be 
pathetic  or  affecting.  Hurd. 

17  The  connection  lies  thus:  language  must  agree  with  character; 
character  with  fame,  or  at  least  with  itself.  Hurd. 


306 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


fables  as  are  congruous  to  themselves.  If  as  poet  you  have 
to  represent  the  renowned  Achilles ; let  him  be  indefatigable, 
wrathful,  inexorable,  courageous,  let  him  deny  that  laws  were 
made  for  him,  let  him  arrogate  every  thing  to  force  of  arms. 
Let  Medea  be  fierce  and  untractable,  Ino  an  object  of  pity, 
Ixion  perfidious,  Io  wandering,  Orestes  in  distress. 

If  you  offer  to  the  stage  any  thing  unattempted,  and  venture 
to  form  a new  character ; let  it  be  preserved  to  the  last18 
such  as  it  set  out  at  the  beginning,  and  be  consistent  with 
itself.  It  is  difficult  to  write  with  propriety10  on  subjects  to 
which  all  writers  have  a common  claim ; and  you  with  more 
prudence  will  reduce  the  Iliad  into  acts,  than  if  you  first  in- 
troduce arguments  unknown  and  never  treated  of  before.  A 
public  story  will  become  your  own  property,20  if  you  do  not 
dwell  upon  the  whole  circle  of  events,  which  is  paltry  and 
open  to  every  one  ; nor  must  you  be  so  faithful  a translator,  as 
to  take  the  pains  of  rendering  [the  original]  word  for  word ; 
nor  by  imitating  throw  yourself  into  straits,  whence  either 
shame  or  the  rules  of  your  work  may  forbid  you  to  retreat. 

18  The  rule  is,  as  appears  from  the  reason  of  the  thing,  and  from  Aris- 
totle, “Let  a uniformity  of  character  be  preserved,  or  at  least  a consist- 
ency:” i.  e.  either  let  the  manners  be  exactly  the  same  from  the  begin- 
ning to  the  end  of  the  play,  as  those  of  Medea,  for  instance,  and  Orestes ; 
or,  if  any  change  be  necessary,  let  it  be  such  as  may  consist  with,  and  be 
easily  reconciled  to,  the  manners  formerly  attributed,  as  is  seen  in  the 
case  of  Electra  and  Iphigenia.  Hurd. 

19  Difficile  est  pr opr ie  communia  dicer e.  Lambin’s  comment  is,  “Com- 
munia  hoc  loco  appellat  Horatius  argumenta  fabularum  a nullo  adhuc 
tractata : et  ita,  quae  cuivis  exposita  sunt  et  in  medio  quadammodo  posita, 
quasi  vacua  et  a nemine  occupata.”  And  that  this  is  the  true  meaning 
of  communia  is  evidently  fixed  by  the  words  ignota  indiciaque,  which  are 
explanatory  of  it.  Hurd. 

20  Publica  materies  is  just  the  reverse  of  what  the  poet  had  before  styled 
communia : the  latter  meaning  such  subjects  or  characters  as,  though  by 
their  nature  left  in  common  to  all,  had  yet,  in  fact,  not  been  occupied  by 
any  writer ; the  former,  those  which  had  already  been  made  public  by 
occupation.  In  order  to  acquire  a property  in  subjects  of  this  sort,  the 
poet  directs  us  to  observe  the  three  following  cautions : 1.  Not  to  follow 
the  trite,  obvious  round  of  the  original  work;  i.  e.  not  servilely  and 
scrupulously  to  adhere  to  its  plan  of  method.  2.  Not  to  be  translators, 
instead  of  imitators,  i.  e.  if  it  shall  be  thought  fit  to  imitate  more  ex- 
pressly any  part  of  the  original,  to  do  it  with  freedom  and  spirit,  and 
without  a slavish  attachment  to  the  mode  of  expression.  3.  Not  to  adopt 
any  particular  incident  that  may  occur  in  the  proposed  model,  which 
either  decency  or  the  nature  of  the  work  would  reject.  Hurd. 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  rOETRY. 


307 


Nor  must  you  make  such  an  exordium,  as  the  Cyclic21 
writer  of  old : “ I will  sing  the  fate  of  Priam,  and  the  noble 
war.”  What  will  this  boaster  produce  worthy  of  all  this 
gaping?  The  mountains  are  in  labor,  a ridiculous  mouse 
will  be  brought  forth.  How  much  more  to  the  purpose  he, 
who  attempts  nothing  improperly  ? “ Sing  for  me,  my  muse, 

the  man  who,  after  the  time  of  the  destruction  of  Troy,  sur- 
veyed the  manners  and  cities  of  many  men.”  He  meditates 
not  [to  produce]  smoke  from  a flash,  but  out  of  smoke  to 
elicit  fire,  that  he  may  thence  bring  forth  his  instances  of  the 
marvelous  with  beauty,  [such  as]  Antiphates,  Scylla,.  the 
Cyclops,  and  Chary bdis.  Nor  does  he  date  Diomede’s  return 
from  Meleager’s  death,  nor  trace  the  rise  of  the  Trojan  war 
from  [Leda’s]  eggs : he  always  hastens  on  to  the  event ; and 
hurries  away  his  reader  in  the  midst  of  interesting  circum- 
stances, no  otherwise  than  as  if  they  were  [already]  known  ; 
and  what  he  despairs  of,  as  to  receiving  a polish  from  his 
touch,  he  omits  ; and  in  such  a manner  forms  his  fictions,  so 
intermingles  the  false  with  the  true,  that  the  middle  is  not  in- 
consistent with  the  beginning,  nor  the  end  with  the  middle. 

Do  you  attend  to  what  I,  and  the  public  in  my  opinion, 
expect  from  you  [as  a dramatic  writer].  If  you  are  desirous 
of  an  applauding  spectator,  who  will  wait  for  [the  falling  of] 
the  curtain,  and  till  the  chorus  calls  out  “ your  plaudits the 
manners  of  every  age  must  be  marked  by  you,  and  a proper 
decorum  assigned  to  men’s  varying  dispositions  and  years. 
The  boy,  who  is  just  able  to  pronounce  his  words,  and  prints 
the  ground  with  a firm  tread,  delights  to  play  with  his  fel- 
lows, and  contracts  and  lays  aside  anger  without  reason,  and 
is  subject  to  change  every  hour.  The  beardless  youth,  his 
guardian  being  at  length  discharged,  joys  in  horses,  and  dogs, 
and  the  verdure  of  the  sunny  Campus  Martius ; pliable  as  wax 
to  the  bent  of  vice,  rough  to  advisers,  a slow  provider  of  use- 
ful things,  prodigal  of  his  money,  high-spirited,  and  amorous, 
and  hasty  in  deserting  the  objects  of  his  passion.  [After 

21  Scriptor  cyclicus . Some  author  of  the  cyclus,  described  above,  X,  132. 
*The  chief  Cyclic  poems  are  the  following:  1.  rd  K vlpca,  of  Stasinus 
or  Hegesinus.  2.  The  kid  Lords  of  Arctinus.  3.  The  ’I  ?uds  fUKpd,  by 
Lesches.  4.  The  ’ihiov  ntpoir  of  Arctinus.  5.  The  N ootol  attributed 
to  Agias.  6.  The  T rjheyovia  of  Eugammon.  These  were  collected, 
more  for  the  sake  of  philology  than  poetry,  by  the  Alexandrine  gram- 
marians. M‘Caul. 


308 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


this,]  our  inclinations  being  changed,  the  age  and  spirit  of 
manhood  seeks  after  wealth,  and  [high]  connections,  is  sub- 
servient to  points  of  honor ; and  is  cautious  of  committing 
any  action,  which  he  would  subsequently  be  industrious  to 
correct.  Many  inconveniences  encompass  a man  in  years; 
either  because  he  seeks  [eagerly]  for  gain,22  and  abstains  from 
what  he  has  gotten,  and  is  afraid  to  make  use  of  it ; or  be- 
cause he  transacts  every  thing  in  a timorous  and  dispassionate 
manner,  dilatory,  slow  in  hope,  remiss,  and  greedy  of  futurity. 
Peevish,  querulous,  a panegyrist  of  former  times  when  he  was 
a boy,  a chastiser  and  censurer  of  his  juniors.  Our  advancing 
years23  bring  many  advantages  along  with  them.  Many  our 
declining  ones  take  away.  That  the  parts  [therefore]  belong- 
ing to  age  may  not  be  given  to  youth,  and  those  of  a man 
to  a boy,  we  must  dwell  upon  those  qualities  which  are  joined 
and  adapted  to  each  person’s  age.24 

An  action  is  either  represented  on  the  stage,  or  being  done 
elsewhere  is  there  related.  The  things  which  enter  by  the 
ear  affect  the  mind  more  languidly,  than  such  as  are  sub- 
mitted to  the  faithful  eyes,  and  what  a spectator  presents  to 
himself.  You  must  not,  however,  bring  upon  the  stage 
things  fit  only  to  be  acted  behind  the  scenes : and  you  must 
take  away  from  view  many  actions,  which  elegant  descrip- 
tion25 may  soon  after  deliver  in  presence  [of  the  spectators]. 
Let  not  Medea  murder  her  sons  before  the  people;  nor  the 
execrable  Atreus  openly  dress  human  entrails  : nor  let  Progue 
be  metamorphosed  into  a bird,  Cadmus  into  a serpent.  What- 
ever you  show  to  me  in  this  manner,  not  able  to  give  credit 
to,  I detest. 

22  “Quaerit”=“quaestus  facit,”  as  in  Virg.  Georg,  i.  “In  medium 
quaerebant.” 

23  He  returns  to  his  first  division  of  human  life  into  two  parts.  “ Anni 
venientes,”  the  years  preceding  manhood;  “anni  recedentes,”  the  years 
going  back  toward  old  age  and  death.  The  ancients  reckoned  the  former 
by  addition : the  latter  by  subtraction.  The  French  have  an  expression 
like  this  of  “recedentes  anni.”  They  say,  “est  sur  son  retour,”  “he  is 
upon  his  return,”  when  a person  is  declining  in  years.  Dac. 

2-i  Semper  in  adjundis . “ Adjuncta  aevo,”  every  thing  which  attends 

age ; “ apta  aevo,”  every  thing  proper  to  it. 

25  Fecundia  prcesens.  The  recital  of  an  actor  present,  which  ought  to 
be  made  with  all  the  pathetic;  “facundia;”  or  a recital  instead  of  tlio 
action,  “ facundia  facti  vicaria,  quae  rem  quasi  oculis  praesentem  sistit.” 
Dao. 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


309 


Let  a play  which  would  be  inquired  after,  and  though  seen, 
represented  anew,  be  neither  shorter  nor  longer  than  the  fifth 
act.  Neither  let  a god  interfere,  unless  a difficulty  worthy  a 
god’s  unraveling  should  happen ; nor  let  a fourth  person  be 
officious  to  speak.26 

Let  the  chorus27  sustain  the  part  and  manly28  character  of 
an  actor  : nor  let  them  sing  any  thing  between  the  acts  which 
is  not  conducive  to,  and  fitly  coherent  with,  the  main  design. 
Let  them  both  patronize  the  good,29  and  give  them  friendly 

25  The  poet  does  not  forbid  a fourth  person  to  speak,  but  would  have 
him  say  very  little,  as  the  Scholiast  understands  the  precept.  Indeed,  a 
conversation  of  three  people  is  most  agreeable,  because  it  is  less  confused 
and  less  divides  the  attention  of  an  audience.  Rodell. 

27  The  chorus  was  not  introduced  between  the  acts,  merely  to  relieve 
the  audience,  but  had  a part  in  the  play,  and  concurred  with  the  other 
actors  to  carry  on  the  plot,  and  support  the  probability  of  it.  The  Chori- 
phseus,  or  first  person  of  the  chorus,  entered  in  the  acts,  and  spoke  for 
all  those  of  whom  the  chorus  was  composed;  “ officiumque  virile  de- 
fendat.”  The  chorus  filled  up  the  intervals  of  the  acts  with  their  songs, 
which  were  composed  of  reflections  upon  what  was  past,  or  their  appre- 
hensions of  what  might  happen.  Fran. 

28  Officiumque  virile.  Heinsius  takes  virile  adverbially,  for  viriliter. 
But  this  is  thought  harsh.  What  hinders,  but  that  it  may  be  taken  ad- 
jectively?  And  then,  agreeably  to  his  interpretation,  “ officium  virile” 
will  mean  a strenuous,  diligent  office,  such  as  becomes  a person  interested 
in  the  progress  of  the  action.  The  precept  is  leveled  against  the  prac- 
tice of  those  poets  who,  though  they  allow  the  part  of  a persona  dramatis 
to  the  chorus,  yet  for  the  most  part  make  it  so  idle  and  insignificant  a 
one,  as  is  of  little  consequence  in  the  representation ; by  which  means 
the  advantage  of  probability,  intended  to  be  drawn  from  this  use  of  the 
chorus,  is,  in  great  measure,  forfeited.  Hurd. 

29  The  chorus,  says  the  poet,  is  to  take  the  side  of  the  good  and  virtu- 
ous; i.  e.  (see  note  on  v.  193),  is  always  to  sustain  a moral  character. 
But  this  will  need  some  explanation  and  restriction.  To  conceive  aright 
of  its  office,  we  must  suppose  the  chorus  to  be  a number  of  persons,  by 
some  probable  cause  assembled  together,  as  witnesses  and  spectators  of 
the  great  action  of  the  drama.  Such  persons,  as  they  can  not  be  wholly 
uninterested  in  what  passes  before  them,  will  very  naturally  bear  some 
share  in  the  representation.  This  will  principally  consist  in  declaring 
their  sentiments,  and  indulging  their  reflections  freely  on  the  several 
events  and  distresses  as  they  shall  arise.  Thus  we  see  the  moral  at- 
tributed to  the  chorus,  will  be  no  other  than  the  dictates  of  plain  sense ; 
such  as  must  be  obvious  to  every  thinking  observer  of  the  action,  who  is 
under  the  influence  of  no  peculiar  partialities  from  affection  or  interest. 
Though  even  these  may  be  supposed,  in  cases  where  the  character  to- 
ward which  they  draw  is  represented  as  virtuous. 

A chorus,  thus  constituted,  must  always,  it  is  evident,  take  the  part  of 
virtue ; because  this  ;s  the  natural,  and  almost  necessary  determination 


310 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


advice,  and  regulate  the  passionate,  and  love  to  appease  those 
who  swell  [with  rage]  :30  let  them  praise  the  repast  of  a 
short  meal,  the  salutary  effects  of  justice,  laws,  and  peace 
with  her  open  gates ; let  them  conceal  what  is  told  to  them  in 
confidence,31  and  supplicate  and  implore  the  gods  that  pros- 
perity may  return  to  the  wretched,  and  abandon  the  haughty. 
The  flute,32  (not  as  now,  begirt  with  brass  and  emulous  of 

of  mankind,  in  all  ages  and  nations,  when  acting  freely  and  uncon- 
strained. Hurd. 

30  I read  “ pacare  tumentes,”  with  Bentley,  Orelli,  and  others. 

31  The  Choriphseus  was  present  through  the  whole  play,  and  was  often 
necessarily  intrusted  with  the  secrets  of  the  persons  of  the  drama.  To 
preserve  the  probability,  the  poets  chose  a chorus,  that  was  obliged  by 
their  own  interest  to  keep  those  secrets,  and  without  acting  contrary  to 
their  duty.  Euripides  hath  greatly  offended  against  this  precept.  Dac. 

32  Tibia  non  ut  nunc  orichalco , etc.  (From  v.  202  to  v.  220.)  This  is 
one  of  those  many  passages  in  the  epistle  about  which  the  critics  have 
said  a great  deal,  without  explaining  any  thing.  In  support  of  what  I 
mean  to  offer,  as  the  true  interpretation,  I observe, 

I.  That  the  poet’s  intention  certainly  was,  not  to  censure  the  false  re- 
finements of  their  stage  music ; but,  in  a short  digressive  history  (such 
as  the  didactic  form  will  sometimes  require),  to  describe  the  rise  and 
progress  of  the  true.  This  I collect,  1.  From  the  expression  itself,  which 
can  not,  without  violence,  be  understood  in  any  other  way.  For,  as  to  the 
words  licentia  and  prceceps,  which  have  occasioned  much  of  the  difficulty, 
the  first  means  a freer  use,  not  a licentiousness  properly  so-called ; and 
the  other  only  expresses  a vehemence  and  rapidity  of  language,  naturally 
productive  of  a quicker  elocution,  such  as  must  of  course  attend  the 
more  numerous  harmony  of  the  lyre : not,  as  M.  Dacier  translates  it, 
“ une  eloquence  temeraire  et  outree,”  an  extravagant  straining  and  af- 
fectation of  style.  2.  From  the  reason  of  the  thing,  which  makes  it  in- 
credible that  the  music  of  the  theater  should  then  be  most  complete, 
when  the  times  were  barbarous,  and  entertainments  of  this  kind  little 
encouraged  or  understood.  3.  From  the  character  of  that  music  itself ; 
for  the  rudeness  of  which,  Horace,  in  effect,  apologizes,  in  defending  it 
only  on  the  score  of  the  imperfect  state  of  the  stage,  and  the  simplicity 
of  its  judges.  This  then  being  clear,  I observe, 

II.  That  those  two  verses, 

“ Indoctus  quid  enim  saperet  liberque  laborum, 

Rusticus  urbano  confusus,  turpis  honesto  ?” 
are,  as  they  now  stand,  utterly  inexplicable.  This  hath  appeared  long 
since,  from  the  fruitless  labors  of  the  critics,  and,  above  all,  of  Lambin, 
one  of  the  best  of  them,  who,  after  several  repeated  efforts  to  elucidate 
this  place,  leaves  it  just  as  dark  and  unintelligible  as  he  found  it.  The 
interpretation,  without  them,  stands  thus:  “The  tibia,”  says  the  poet, 
11  was  at  first  low  and  simple.  The  first,  as  best  agreeing  to  the  then 
state  of  the  stage,  which  required  only  a soft  music  to  go  along  with  and 
assist  the  chorus,  there  being  no  large  and  crowded  theaters  to  fill  in 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


311 


the  trumpet,  but)  slender  and  of  simple  form,  with  few  stops, 
was  of  service  to  accompany  and  assist  the  chorus,  and  with 
its  tone  was  sufficient  to  fill  the  rows  that  were  not  as  yet  too 
crowded,  where  an  audience,  easily  numbered,  as  being  small 
and  sober,  chaste  and  modest,  met  together.  But  when  the 
victorious  Romans  began  to  extend  their  territories,  and  an 
ampler  wall  encompassed  the  city,  and  their  genius  was  in- 
dulged on  festivals  by  drinking  wine  in  the  day-time  without 
censure ; a greater  freedom  arose  both  to  the  numbers  [of 
poetry],  and  the  measure  [of  music].S3  For  what  taste  could 
an  unlettered  clown  and  one  just  dismissed  from  labors  have, 

those  days.  And  the  latter,  as  suiting  best  to  the  then  state  of  the  times, 
whose  simplicity  and  frugal  manners  exacted  the  severest  temperance,  as 
in  every  thing  else,  so  in  their  dramatic  ornaments  and  decorations.  But, 
when  conquest  had  enlarged  the  territory  and  widened  the  walls  of  Rome, 
and,  in  consequence  thereof,  a social  spirit  had  dispelled  that  severity  of 
manners,  by  the  introduction  of  frequent  festival  solemnities,  then,  as 
was  natural  to  expect,  a freer  and  more  varied  harmony  took  place.  And 
thus  it  was,  that  the  tibicen, , the  musician  who  played  to  the  declamation 
in  the  acts,  instead  of  the  rude  and  simpler  strain  of  the  old  times,  gave 
a richness  and  variety  of  tone  ; and  instead  of  the  old  inactive  posture, 
added  the  grace  of  motion  to  his  art.  Just  in  the  same  manner,”  con- 
tinues he,  “ it  happened  to  the  lyre,  i.  e.  the  music  in  the  chorus,  which 
originally,  as  that  of  the  tibia,  was  severe  and  simple ; but,  by  degrees, 
acquired  a quicker  and  more  expressive  modulation,  such  as  correspond- 
ed to  the  more  elevated  and  passionate  turn  of  the  poet’s  style,  and  the 
diviner  enthusiasm  of  his  sentiment.”  Hurd. 

33  Accessit  numerisque  modisque  licentia  major.  M.  Dacier  is  out  again, 
when  he  takes  licentia  major  in  a bad  sense,  as  implying  “ lascivete,”  a 
culpable  and  licentious  refinement.  The  license  here  spoken  of,  with  re- 
gard to  numbers  and  sounds,  like  that  in  another  place,  which  respects 
words  (1.  51),  is  one  of  those  which  is  allowed,  when  sumpta  pudenter. 
The  comparative  major,  which  is  a palliative,  shows  this ; and  is  further 
jnstified  by  a like  passage  in  Cicero  de  Oratore  (I.  iii.  c.  48),  where, 
speaking  of  this  very  license  in  poetry,  he  observes,  that  out  of  the  heroic 
and  iambic  measure,  which  was  at  first  strictly  observed,  there  arose  by 
degrees  the  anapmst,  “ procerior  quidam  numerus,  et  file  licentior  et  di- 
vitior  dithyrambus;”  evidently  not  condemning  this  change,  but  oppos- 
ing it  to  the  rigorous  and  confined  measures  of  the  elder  poet.  But  the 
expression  itself  occurs  in  the  piece  entitled  “ Orator,”  in  which,  com- 
paring the  freedoms  of  the  poetical  and  oratorical  style,  “ in  ea”  (i.  e. 
poetica),  says  he,  “ lioentiam  statuo  majorem  esse,  quam  in  nobis  facien- 
dorum  jungendorumque  verborum.”  The  poet  says  this  license  extend- 
ed “numeris  modisque,”  the  former  of  which  words  will  express  that 
license  of  meter  spoken  of  by  Cicero,  and  which  is  further  explained, 
v.  256,  etc.,  where  an  account  is  given  of  the  improvement  of  the  iambic 
verse.  Hurd. 


312 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


when  in  company  with  the  polite ; the  base,  with  the  man  of 
honor  ? Thus  the  musician  added34  new  movements  and  a 

34  Sic  priscce — arti  tibicen,  etc. — Sic  fidibus  etiam,  etc.  This  is  the  ap- 
plication of  what  hath  liken  said,  in  general,  concerning  the  refinement 
of  theatrical  music  to  the  case  of  tragedy.  Some  commentators  say,  and 
to  comedy.  But  in  this  they  mistake,  as  will  appear  presently.  M.  Da- 
cier  hath  I know  not  what  conceit  about  a comparison  betwixt  the  Roman 
and  Greek  stage.  His  reason  is,  that  the  lyre  was  used  in  the  Greek 
chorus,  as  appears,  he  says,  from  Sophocles  playing  upon  this  instrument 
himself  in  one  of  his  tragedies.  And  was  it  not  used  too  in  the  Roman 
chorus,  as  appears  from  Nero’s  playing  upon  it  in  several  tragedies  ? But 
the  learned  critic  did  not  apprehend  this  matter.  Indeed,  from  the  cau- 
tion with  which  his  guides,  the  dealers  in  antiquities,  always  touch  this 
point,  it  should  seem  that  they  too  had  no  very  clear  conception  of  it. 
The  case  I take  to  have  been  this : the  tibia,  as  being  most  proper  to 
accompany  the  declamation  of  the  acts,  cantanti  succinere , was  constantly 
employed,  as  well  in  the  Roman  tragedy  as  comedy.  This  appears  from 
many  authorities.  I mention  only  two  from  Cicero.  “ Quam  multa  (Acad. 

1.  ii.  7)  quae  nosfugiunt  in  cantu,  exaudiunt  in  eo  genere  exercitati:  Qui, 
primo  inflatu  tibicinis,  Antiopam  esse  aiunt  aut  Andromachem,  cum  nos 
ne  suspicemur  quidem.”  The  other  is  still  more  express.  In  his  piece 
entitled  “ Orator,”  speaking  of  the  negligence  of  the  Roman  writers  in 
respect  of  numbers,  he  observes,  that  there  were  even  many  passages  in 
their  tragedies,  which,  unless  the  tibia  played  to  them,  could  not  be  dis- 
tinguished from  mere  prose  : “ quae  nisi  cum  tibicen  accesserit,  orationi 
sint  solutae  simillima.”  One  of  these  passages  is  expressely  quoted  from 
Thyestes,  a tragedy  of  Ennius,  and,  as  appears  from  the  measure,  taken 
out  of  one  of  the  acts.  It  is  clear,  then,  that  the  tibia  was  certainly  used 
in  the  declamation  of  tragedy.  But  now  the  song  of  the  tragic  chorus, 
being  of  the  nature  of  the  ode,  of  course  required  fides , the  lyre,  the 
peculiar  and  appropriated  instrument  of  the  lyric  muse.  And  this  is 
clearly  collected,  if  not  from  express  testimonies,  yet  from  some  occasional 
hints  dropped  by  the  ancients.  For,  1.  The  lyre  we  are  told  (Cic.  do 
Leg.  ii.  9 and  15),  and  is  agreed  on  all  hands,  was  an  instrument  of  the 
Roman  theater ; but  it  was  not  employed  in  comedy.  This  we  certainly 
know  from  the  short  accounts  of  the  music  prefixed  to  Terrence’s  plays. 

2.  Further,  the  tibicen , as  we  saw,  accompanied  the  declamation  of  tho 
acts  in  tragedy.  It  remains,  then,  that  the  proper  place  of  the  lyre  was, 
where  one  should  naturally  look  for  it,  in  the  songs  of  the  chorus ; but 
we  need  not  go  further  than  this  very  passage  for  a proof.  It  is  un- 
questionable, that  the  poet  is  here  speaking  of  the  chorus  only,  the  fol- 
lowing lines  not  admitting  any  other  possible  interpretation.  By  fidibus , 
then,  it  is  necessarily  understood  the  instrument  peculiarly  used  in  it.  In 
this  view,  the  whole  digression  is  more  pertinent  and  connects  better. 
The  poet  had  before  been  speaking  of  tragedy.  All  his  directions,  from 
1.  100,  respect  this  species  of  the  drama  only.  The  application  of  what 
he  had  said  concerning  music  is  then  most  naturally  made,  1.  To  the 
tibia , the  music  of  the  acts;  and,  2.  To  fides , that  of  the  choir : thus  con- 
fining himself,  as  the  tenor  of  this  part  required,  to  tragedy  only.  Hence 
is  seen  the  mistake,  not  only  of  M.  Dacier,  whose  comment  is  in  every 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


313 


luxuriauce  to  the  ancient  art,  and  strutting  backward  and  for- 
ward, drew  a length  of  train  over  the  stage ; thus  likewise  new 
notes  were  added  to  the  severity  of  the  lyre,  and  precipitate  elo- 
quence produced  an  unusual  language  [in  the  theater]  : and 
the  sentiments  [of  the  chorus,  then]  expert  in  teaching  useful 
things  and  prescient  of  futurity,  differ  hardly  from  the  oracular 
Delphi.35 

The  poet,  who  first  tried  his  skill  in  tragic  verse  for  the 
paltry  [prize  of  a]  goat,  soon  after  exposed  to  view  wild 
satyrs  naked,38  and  attempted  raillery  with  severity,  still  pre- 
serving the  gravity  [of  tragedy] : because  the  spectator  on 
festivals,  when  heated  with  wine37  and  disorderly,  was  to  be 


view  insupportable ; but,  as  was  hinted,  of  Heinsius,  Lambin,  and  others, 
who,  with  more  probability,  explained  this  of  the  Roman  tragedy  and 
comedy.  For,  though  tibia  might  be  allowed  to  stand  for  comedy,  as 
opposed  to  trageedia  (as,  in  fact,  we  find  it  in  II.  Ep.  1.  98),  that  being 
the  only  instrument  employed  in  it ; yet,  in  speaking  expressly  of  the 
music  of  the  stage,  fides  could  not  determinately  enough,  and  in  contra- 
distinction to  tibia , denote  that  of  tragedy,  it  being  an  instrument  used 
solely  or  principally  in  the  chorus,  of  which  the  context  shows,  he  alone 
speaks.  It  is  further  to  be  observed,  that  in  the  application  here  made, 
besides  the  music,  the  poet  takes  in  the  other  improvements  of  the  tragic 
chorus,  these  happening,  as  from  the  nature  of  the  thing  they  must,  at 
the  same  time.  Hurd. 

35  Sententia  Delphis.  Sententia  is  properly  an  aphorism  taken  from 
life,  briefly  representing  either  what  is  or  what  ought  to  be  the  conduct  of 
it : “ Oratio  sumpta  de  vita,  quae  aut  quid  sit  aut  quid  esse  oporteat  in  vita, 
breviter  ostendit.”  (Ad  Herenn.  Rhet.  1.  iv.)  These  aphorisms  are  here 
mentioned,  as  constituting  the  peculiar  praise  and  beauty  of  the  chorus. 
This  is  finely  observed,  and  was  intended  to  convey  an  oblique  censure 
on  the  practice  of  those  poets,  who  stuff  out  every  part  of  the  drama  alike 
with  moral  sentences,  not  considering  that  the  only  proper  receptacle  of 
them  is  the  chorus,  where  indeed  they  have  an  extreme  propriety,  it 
being  the  peculiar  office  and  character  of  the  chorus  to  moralize.  Hurd. 

36  There  was  a kind  of  tragic  comedies  among  the  Greeks,  which  they 
called  Satyrs,  because  the  chorus  was  formed  of  Satyrs,  who  sung  the 
praises  of  Bacchus  between  the  acts,  and  said  a thousand  low  pleasantries. 
The  only  piece  of  this  kind  remaining  to  us  is  the  Cyclops  of  Euripides, 
in  which  Ulysses  is  the  principal  actor.  The  Romans,  in  imitation  of  the 
Greek  Satyrs,  had  their  Atellance , so  called  from  Atella , the  city  where 
they  were  first  played.  Nan. 

37  Potus  et  exlex.  The  lines, 

“ Indoctus  quid  enim  saperet  liberque  laborum 
Rusticus  urbano  confusus,  turpis  honesto  ?” 

were,  I observed,  certainly  misplaced.  They  should,  I think,  como  in 

14 


314 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


amused  with  captivating  shows  and  agreeable  novelty.  But 
it  will  be  expedient  so  to  recommend  the  bantering,  so  the 
rallying  satyrs,  so  to  turn  earnest  into  jest ; that  none  who 
shall  be  exhibited  as  a god,  none  who  is  introduced  as  a hero 
lately38  conspicuous  in  regal  purple  and  gold,  may  deviate  in- 
to the  low  style  of  obscure,  mechanical  shops;  or,  [on  the 
contrary,]  while  he  avoids  the  ground,  affect  cloudy  mist  and 
empty  jargon.  Tragedy89  disdaining  to  prate  forth  trivial 
verses,  like  a matron  commanded  to  dance  on  the  festival 

here,  where  their  sense  is  extremely  pertinent.  The  poet  had  been 
speaking  of  the  satyric  drama,  which,  says  he,  was  added  to  the  tragic, 

££  eo  quod 

Illecebris  erat,  et  grata  novitate  morandus 
Spectator,  functusque  sacris,  et  potus,  et  exlex.” 

But  why,  it  might  be  asked,  this  compliance,  in  so  false  a taste,  with  a 
drunken,  lawless  rabble  ? The  answer  is  natural  and  to  the  purpose. 
££  Because  their  theaters  necessarily  consisted  of  a mixed  assembly,  every 
part  of  which  was  to  be  considered  in  the  public  diversions.”  The  ques- 
tion then  hath  an  extreme  propriety, 

“Indoctus  quid  enim  saperet  liberque  laborum, 

Rusticus  urbano  confusus,  tnrpis  honesto  ?” 

The  rusticus  and  turpis  demanded  the  satyric  piece.  It  was  the  necessary 
result  of  this  mixutre ; as,  to  gratify  the  better  sort,  the  urbanus  and  ho- 
nestus , the  tragic  drama  was  exhibited.  It  is  some  prejudice  in  favor  of 
this  conjecture,  that  it  explains  to  us,  what  would  otherwise  appear  very 
strange,  that  such  gross  ribaldry,  as  we  know  the  Atellanes  consisted  of, 
could  ever  be  endured  by  the  politest  age  of  Rome.  But  scenical  repre- 
sentations being  then  intended,  not  as  in  our  days,  for  the  entertainment 
of  the  better  sort,  but  on  certain  great  solemnities,  indifferently  for  the 
diversion  of  the  whole  city,  it  became  necessary  to  consult  the  taste  of 
the  multitude,  as  well  as  of  those,  quibus  est  equus  et  pater  et  res.  Hurd. 

33  This  proves  that  the  same  actor,  as  M.  Dacier  observes,  who  had  been 
an  Orestes  or  Ulysses  in  the  tragic  part,  played  the  same  chraracter  in  the 
comic,  or,  Atellance.  Thus  Plautus  in  the  prologue  to  his  Menechmes, 
“this  town,  during  this  play,  shall  be  Epidamnum,  and  when  it  has  been 
acted,  it  may  be  any  other  city.  As  in  a company  of  players,  the  same 
person  shall,  at  different  times,  be  a pander,  a youth,  an  old  man,  a beg- 
gar, a king,  a parasite,  a soothsayer.”  St.  Jerome  hath  finely  imitated 
this  passage  ; “ our  vices  oblige  us  to  play  many  characters,  for  every  vice 
wears  a different  mask.  Thus  in  a theater,  the  same  person  plays  a robust 
and  nervous  Hercules,  a dissolute  Yenus,  and  a furious  Cyclops.”  Fran. 

39  Indigna  tragcedia  versus.  Horace  means  the  Atellance , which  were 
in  so  much  esteem,  that  the  persons,  who  acted  in  them,  were  not  ranked 
with  the  comedians,  nor  were  obliged  to  unmask  on  the  stage  when 
they  played  ill,  as  others  were ; and,  as  a peculiar  honor,  they  were 
allowed  to  enlist  in  the  army.  Therefore  low  and  trivial  verses  were 
beneath  the  dignity  of  the  Atellance.  Dac. 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


315 


days,40  will  assume  an  air  of  modesty,  even  in  the  midst  of 
wanton  satyrs.  As  a writer  of  satire,  ye  Pisos,  I shall  never 
be  fond  of  unornamented  and  reigning  terms  :41  nor  shall  I la- 
bor to  differ  so  widely  from  the  complexion  of  tragedy,  as  to 
make  no  distinction,  whether  Davus  be  the  speaker.  And  the 
bold  Pythias,  who  gained  a talent  by  gulling  Simo  ; or  Silenus, 
the  guardian  and  attendant  of  his  pupil-god  [Bacchus].  I 
would  so  execute  a fiction42  taken  from  a well-known  story, 
that  any  body  might  entertain  hopes  of  doing  the  same  thing ; 
but,  on  trial,  should  sweat  and  labor  in  vain.  Such  power  has 
a just  arrangement  and  connection  of  the  parts : such  grace 
may  be  added  to  subjects  merely  common.  In  my  judgment 
the  Fauns,  that  are  brought  out  of  the  woods,  should  not  be  too 
gamesome  with  their  tender  strains,  as  if  they  were  educated  in 
the  city,  and  almost  at  the  bar ; nor,  on  the  other  hand,  should 
blunder  out  their  obscene  and  scandalous  speeches.  For  [at 
such  stuff]  all  are  offended,  who  have  a horse,43  a father,  or  an 

40  Young  women  were  usually  chosen  to  dance  in  honor  of  the  gods, 
but  in  some  festivals,  as  in  that  of  the  great  goddess,  the  pontiffs  obliged 
married  women  to  dance.  Hence  the  poet  says  jussa.  Dac. 

41  Dominantia  verba.  What  the  Greeks  call  nvpia,  as  if  they  were 
masters  of  the  thing  they  would  express ; as  we  say  in  English,  “ calling 
things  by  their  proper  names.”  Fran. 

42  This  precept  (from  v.  240  to  244)  is  analogous  to  that  before  given 
(v.  129)  concerning  tragedy.  It  directs  to  form  the  Satyrs  out  of  a 
known  subject.  The  reasons  are,  in  general,  the  same  for  both.  Only 
one  seems  peculiar  to  the  Satyrs.  For,  the  cast  of  them  being  necessarily 
romantic,  and  the  persons  those  fantastic  beings  called  satyrs,  the  to 
dfioiov , or  probable,  will  require  the  subject  to  have  gained  a popular 
belief,  without  which  the  representation  must  appear  unnatural.  Now, 
these  subjects  which  have  gained  a popular  belief,  in  consequence  of  old 
tradition,  and  their  frequent  celebration  in  the  poets,  are  what  Horace 
calls  no ta  ; just  a3  newly  invented  subjects,  or,  which  comes  to  the  same 
thing,  such  as  had  not  been  employed  by  other  writers,  indicia , he,  on 
a like  occasion,  terms  ignota . The  connection  lies  thus.  Having  men- 
tioned Silenus  in  v.  239,  one  of  the  commonest  characters  in  this  drama, 
an  objection  immediately  offers  itself;  “ But  what  good  poet  will  engage 
in  subjects  and  characters  so  trite  and  hackneyed  ?”  The  answer  is, 

“ ex  noto  fictum  carmen  sequar,”  i.  e.  however  trite  and  well  known  this 
and  some  other  characters,  essential  to  the  Satyr,  are  and  must  be ; yet 
will  there  be  still  room  for  fiction  and  genius  to  show  itself.  The  con- 
duct and  disposition  of  the  play  may  be  wholly  new,  and  above  the  ability 
of  common  writers,  “tantum  series  juncturaque  pollet.”  Hurd. 

43  Quibus  est  equus}  etc.,  the  knights  who  have  a horse,  kept  at  public 
expense;  “quibus  est  pater,”  people  of  birth,  patricians;  “quibus  est 
res,”  they  who  have  wealth,  and  are  therefore  distinguished  from  knights 
and  patricians.  Dac. 


316 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


estate : nor  will  they  receive  with  approbation,  nor  give  the 
laurel  crown,  as  the  purchasers  of  parched  peas  and  nuts  are 
delighted  with. 

A long  syllable  put  after  a short  one  is  termed  an  iambus, 
a lively  measure,  whence  also  it  commanded  the  name  of 
trimeters  to  be  added  to  iambics,  though  it  yielded  six  beats 
of  time,  being  similar  to  itself  from  first  to  last.  Not  long 
ago,  that  it  might  come  somewhat  slower  and  with  more  maj- 
esty to  the  ear,  it  obligingly  and  contentedly  admitted  into  its 
paternal  heritage  the  steadfast  spondees  ; agreeing  however,  by 
social  league,  that  it  was  not  to  depart  from  the  second44 
and  fourth  place.  But  this  [kind  of  measure]  rarely  makes 
its  appearance  in  the  notable45  trimeters  of  Accius,  and  brands 
the  verse  of  Ennius  brought  upon  the  stage  with  a clumsy 
weight  of  spondees,  with  the  imputation  of  being  too  precipitate 
and  careless,  or  disgracefully  accuses  him  of  ignorance  in  his 
art. 

It  is  not  every  judge  that  discerns  inharmonious  verses,  and 
an  undeserved  indulgence  is  [in  this  case]  granted  to  the  Ro- 
man poets.  But  shall  I on  this  account  run  riot  and  write  li- 
centiously? Or  should  not  I rather  suppose,  that  all  the  world 
are  to  see  my  faults ; secure,  and  cautious  [never  to  err]  but 
with  hope  of  being  pardoned  ? Though,  perhaps,  I have  mer- 
ited no  praise,  I have  escaped  censure. 

Ye  [who  are  desirous  to  excel,]  turn  over  the  Grecian  models 
by  night,  turn  them  by  day.  But  our  ancestors  commended 
both  the  numbers  of  Plautus,  and  his  strokes  of  pleasantry  ; 
too  tamely,  I will  not  say  foolishly,  admiring  each  of  them  ; if 
you  and  I but  know  how  to  distinguish  a coarse  joke  from  a 
smart  repartee,  and  understand  the  proper  cadence,  by  [using] 
our  fingers  and  ears. 

Thespis46  is  said  to  have  invented  a new  kind  of  tragedy, 

4 4 The  iambic  yields  only  the  odd  places  to  the  spondee,  the  first, 
third,  and  fifth,  but  preserves  the  second,  fourth,  and  sixth  for  itself. 
This  mixture  renders  the  verse  more  noble,  and  it  may  be  still  trimeter, 
the  second  foot  being  iambic.  The  comic  poets,  better  to  disguise  their 
verse,  and  make  it  appear  more  like  common  conversation,  inverted  the 
tragic  order,  and  put  spondees  in  the  even  places.  Dac. 

45  Ironically  spoken. 

46  Thespis.  A native  of  Icarius,  a village  in  Attica,  to  whom  the  in- 
vention of  the  drama  has  been  ascribed.  Before  his  time  there  were  no 
performers  except  the  chorus.  He  led  the  way  to  the  formation  of  a 
dramatic  plot  and  language,  by  directing  a paus3  in  the  performance  of 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


317 


and  to  have  carried  his  pieces  about  in  carts,  which  [certain 
strollers],  who  had  their  faces  besmeared  with  lees  of  wine, 
sang  and  acted.  After  him  ^Eschylus,  the  inventor  of  the 
vizard  mask  and  decent  robe,  laid  the  stage  over  with  boards 
of  a tolerable  size,  and  taught  to  speak  in  lofty  tone,  and  strut 
in  the  buskin.  To  these  succeeded  the  old  comedy,  not  with- 
out considerable  praise : but  its  personal  freedom  degenerated 
into  excess  and  violence,  worthy  to  be  regulated  by  law ; a law 
was  made  accordingly,  and  the  chorus,  the  right  of  abusing  be- 
ing taken  away,  disgracefully  became  silent. 

Our  poets  have  left  no  species  [of  the  art]  unattempted; 
nor  have  those  of  them  merited  the  least  honor,  who  dared 
to  forsake  the  footsteps  of  the  Greeks,  and  celebrate  do- 
mestic facts ; whether  they  have  instructed  us  in  tragedy, 
or  comedy.47  Nor  would  Italy  be  raised  higher  by  valor 

the  chorus,  during  which  he  came  forward  and  recited  with  gesticulation 
a mythological  story.  Comp,  note  Epist.  ii.  1.  163.  M‘Caul.  The  date  is 
thus  given  by  the  Par.  Chron.  Boeckh. : ’A0  ov  Qecnrig  6 noLyryg 
irptiroc  og  edida^e  \6p\d\_pa  kv  u\ot[el  kclI  e]redij  6 [rjpayof  [ d6yov\ 
€Tij  HHII[AA]  - upxovrog  ’A 6\r)vr]Oi\  . . . vaiov  tov  tt porepov.  “ Quod 

ad  annum  attinet,  consistendum  sane  in  Olymp.  61,  eiusque  tribus 
prioribus  annis.”  Boeckh.  in  Chr.  Wheeler. 

47  Vel  qui  prcetextas , vel  qui  docuere  togatas.  There  hath  been  much 
difficulty  here  in  settling  a very  plain  point.  The  question  is,  whether 
prcetextas  means  tragedy  or  a species  of  comedy.  The  answer  is  very 
clear  from  Diomedes,  whose  account  is,  in  short,  this : “ Togatce  is  a gen- 
eral term  for  all  sorts  of  Latin  plays  adopting  the  Roman  customs  and 
dresses ; as  Palliatce  is  for  all  adopting  the  Grecian.  Of  the  Togatas, , the 
several  species  are,  1.  Prcetexta  or  prcetextata,  in  which  the  Roman  kings 
or  generals  were  introduced,  and  is  so  called  because  the  prcetexta  was 
the  distinguishing  habit  of  such  persons ; 2.  Tabernaria , frequently  called 
Togata,  though  that  word,  as  we  have  seen,  had  properly  a larger  sense. 
3.  Atellana.  4.  Planipedis .”  He  next  marks  the  difference  of  these 
several  sorts  of  the  Togatas  from  the  similar  corresponding  ones  of  the 
Palliatce , which  are  these : 1.  “ Tragcedia,  absolutely  so  styled.  2.  Co- 
moedia.  3.  Satyri.  4.  Wpog."  (These  four  sorts  of  the  Palliatce  were 
also  probably  in  use  at  Rome ; certainly,  at  least,  the  two  former.)  It 
appears  then  fromth  ence,  that  prcetextata  was  properly  the  Roman  trag- 
edy. But  he  adds,  “ Tbgata  prcetextata  d tragcedia  differ t and  it  is 
also  said,  11  to  be  only  like  tragedy , tragoedice  similts”  What  is  this  differ- 
ence and  this  likeness  ? The  explanation  follows.  “ Heroes  are  intro- 
duced into  tragedy,  such  as  Orestes,  Chryses,  and  the  like.  In  the  prce- 
textata, Brutus,  Decius,  or  Marcellus.”  So  then  we  see  when  Graecian 
characters  were  introduced,  it  was  called  simply  tragcedia;  when  Roman, 
prcetextata;  yet  both,  tragedies.  The  sole  difference  lay  in  the  persons 
being  foreign  or  domestic.  The  correspondence  in  every  other  respect 


*>18 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


and  feats  of  arms,  than  by  its  language,  did  not  the  fatigue 
and  tediousness  of  using  the  file  disgust  every  one  of  our 
poets.  Do  you,  the  descendants  of  Pompilius,  reject  that 
poem,  which  many  days  and  many  a blot  have  not  ten  times 
subdued  to  the  most  perfect  accuracy.  Because  Democritus 
believes  that  genius  is  more  successful  than  wretched  art,  and 
excludes  from  Helicon  all  poets  who  are  in  their  senses,  a 
great  number  do  not  care  to  part  with  their  nails  or  beard, 
frequent  places  of  solitude,  shun  the  baths.  For  he  will  ac- 
quire, [he  thinks,]  the  esteem  and  title  of  a poet,  if  he  neither 
submits  his  head,  which  is  not  to  be  cured  by  even  three  An- 
ticyras,  to  Licinius  the  barber.  What  an  unlucky  fellow  am 
I,  who  am  purged  for  the  bile  in  spring-time  ! Else  nobody 
would  compose  better  poems ; but  the  purchase  is  not  worth 
the  expense.  Therefore  I will  serve  instead  of  a whetstone, 
which  though  not  able  of  itself  to  cut,  can  make  steel  sharp : 
so  I,  who  can  write  no  poetry  myself,  will  teach  the  duty  and 
business  [of  an  author]  ; whence  he  may  be  stocked  with  rich 
materials ; what  nourishes  and  forms  the  poet ; what  gives 
grace,  what  not ; what  is  the  tendency  of  excellence,  what  that 
of  error. 

To  have  good  sense,  is  the  first  principle  and  fountain  of 
writing  well.  The  Socratic  papers  will  direct  you  in  the 
choice  of  your  subjects ; and  words  will  spontaneously  accom- 
pany the  subject,  when  it  is  well  conceived.  He  who  has 
learned  what  he  owes  to  his  country,  and  what  to  his  friends ; 
with  what  affection  a parent,  a brother,  and  a stranger,  are  to 
be  loved ; what  is  the  duty  of  a senator,  what  of  a judge  ; 
what  the  duties  of  a general  sent  out  to  war ; he,  [I  say,] 
certainly  knows  how  to  give  suitable  attributes  to  every  char- 
acter. I should  direct  tbe  learned  imitator  to  have  a regard 
to  the  mode  of  nature  and  manners,  and  thence  draw  his  ex- 
pressions to  the  life.48  Sometimes  a play,  that  is  showy  with 

was  exact.  The  same  is  observed  of  the  Roman  comedy ; when  it  adopted 
Greek  characters,  it  was  called  comozdia ; when  Roman,  togata  tdbernaria , 
or  togata , simply.  Hurd. 

43  Truth,  in  poetry,  means  such  an  expression  as  conforms  to  the  gen- 
eral nature  of  things ; falsehood,  that  which,  however  suitable  to  the 
particular  instance  in  view,  doth  yet  not  correspond  to  such  general  na- 
ture. To  attain  to  this  truth  of  expression  in  dramatic  poetry  two  things 
are  prescribed:  1.  A diligent  study  of  the  Socratic  philosophy;  and,  2, 
A masterly  knowledge  and  comprehension  of  human  life.  The  first,  be- 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  P.OETRY. 


310 


common-places,49  and  where  the  manners  are  well  marked, 
though  of  no  elegance,  without  force  or  art,  gives  the  people 
much  higher  delight  and  more  effectually  commands  their  at- 
tention, than  verse  void  of  matter,  and  tuneful  trifles. 

To  the  Greeks,  covetous  of  nothing  but  praise,  the  muse 
gave  genius  ; to  the  Greeks  the  power  of  expressing  them- 
selves in  round  periods.  The  Roman  youth  learn  by  long  com- 
putation to  subdivide  a pound  into  an  hundred  parts.  Let 
the  son  of  Albinus  tell  me,  if  from  five  ounces  one  be  subtracted, 
what  remains  ? He  would  have  said  the  third  of  a pound. — 
Bravely  done  ! you  will  be  able  to  take  care  of  your  own  af- 
fairs. An  ounce  is  added : what  will  that  be  ? Half  a pound. 

cause  it  is  the  peculiar  distinction  of  this  school  “ ad  veritatem  vitae  pro- 
pius  accedere.”  (Cic.  de.  Or.  i.  51.)  And  the  latter  as  rendering  the 
imitation  more  universally  striking.  Hurd. 

49  Interdum  speciosa  locis,  etc.  The  poet’s  science  in  ethics  will  prin- 
cipally show  itself  in  these  two  ways:  1.  in  furnishing  proper  matter  for 
general  reflection  on  human  life  and  conduct;  and,  2,  in  a due  adjust- 
ment of  the  manners.  By  the  former  of  these  two  applications  of  moral 
knowledge  a play  becomes,  what  the  poet  calls,  speciosa  locis,  i.  e.  (for 
the  term  is  borrowed  from  the  rhetoricians)  striking  in  its  moral  topics : 
a merit  of  the  highest  importance  on  the  ancient  stage,  and  which,  if 
prudently  employed  in  subserviency  to  the  latter  more  essential  requisite 
of  the  drama,  a just  expression  of  the  manners,  will  deserve  to  be  so  re- 
puted at  all  times,  and  on  every  theater.  The  danger  is,  lest  a studied, 
declamatory  moral,  affectedly  introduced,  or  indulged  to  access,  should 
prejudice  the  natural  exhibition  of  the  characters,  and  so  convert  the 
image  of  human  life  into  an  unaffecting,  philosophical  dialogue. 

lb.  Moratque  recti  fabula , etc.  This  judgment  of  the  poet,  in  regard  of 
the  superior  efficacy  of  manners,  is  generally  thought  to  be  contradicted 
by  Aristotle  ; who,  in  treating  this  subject,  observes,  “that  let  a piece  be 
ever  so  perfect  in  the  manners,  sentiments,  and  style,  it  will  not  so  well 
answer  the  end  and  purpose  of  tragedy,  as  if  defective  in  these,  and 
finished  only  in  the  fable  and  composition.”  M.  Dacier  thinks  to  clear 
this  matter  by  saying,  “ that  what  Aristotle  remarks  holds  true  of  tragedy, 
but  not  of  comedy,  of  which  alone  Horace  is  here  speaking.”  But  grant- 
ing that  the  artificial  contexture  of  the  fable  is  less  necessary  to  the  per- 
fection of  comedy  than  of  tragedy,  yet,  the  tenor  of  this  whole  division, 
exhorting  to  correctness  in  general,  makes  it  unquestionable  that  Horace 
must  intend  to  include  both.  The  case,  as  it  seems  to  me,  is  this.  The 
poet  is  not  comparing  the  respective  importance  of  the  fable  and  manners, 
but  of  the  manners  and  diction,  under  this  word  including  also  numbers. 
He  gives  them  the  preference  not  to  a good  plot,  nor  even  to  fine  senti- 
ments, but  to  versus  inopes  rerum  nugceque  canorce.  The  art  he  speaks  of, 
is  the  art  of  expressing  the  thoughts  properly,  gracefully,  and  harmonious- 
ly : the  pondus  is  the  force  and  energy  of  good  versification.  Venus  is  a 
general  term  including  both  kinds  of  beauty.  Fabula  does  not  mean  the 
fable  (in  distinction  from  the  rest),  but  simply  a play.  Hurd. 


320 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


When  this  sordid  rust60  and  hankering  after  wealth  has  one* 
tainted  their  minds,  can  we  expect  that  such  verses  should  be 
made  as  are  worthy  of  being  anointed  with  the  oil  of  cedar, 
and  kept  in  the  well-polished  cypress  ?51 

Poets  wish  either  to  profit  or  to  delight ; or  to  deliver  at 
once  both  the  pleasures  and  the  necessaries  of  life.  Whatever 
precepts  you  give,  be  concise ; that  docile  minds  may  soon 
comprehend  what  is  said,  and  faithfully  retain  it.  All  super- 
fluous instructions  flow  from  the  too  full  memory.  Let  what- 
ever is  imagined  for  the  sake  of  entertainment,  have  as  much 
likeness  to  truth  as  possible  ; let  not  your  play  demand  belief 
for  whatever  [absurdities]  it  is  inclinable  [to  exhibit] : nor 
take  out  of  a witch’s  belly  a living  child  that  she  had  dined 
upon.  The  tribes  of  the  seniors  rail  against  every  thing  that  is 
void  of  edification : the  exalted  knights  disregard  poems  which 
are  austere.  He  who  joins  the  instructive  with  the  agreeable, 
carries  off  every  vote,62  by  delighting  and  at  the  same  time  ad- 
monishing the  reader.  This  book  gains  money  for  the  Sosii ; 
this  crosses  the  sea,  and  continues  to  its  renowned  author  a 
lasting  duration. 

Yet  there  are  faults,  which  we  should  be  ready  to  pardon : 
for  neither  does  the  string  [always]  form  the  sound  which  the 
hand  and  conception  [of  the  performer]  intends,  but  very  often 
returns  a sharp  note  when  he  demands  a flat ; nor  will  the 
bow  always  hit  whatever  mark  it  threatens.  But  when  there 

50  JSrugo  et  cur  a peculi  cum  semel  imbuerit , etc.  This  love  of  gain,  to 
which  Horace  imputes  the  imperfect  state  of  the  Roman  poetry,  hath 
been  uniformly  assigned,  by  the  wisdom  of  ancient  times,  as  the  specific 
bane  of  arts  and  letters.  Longinus  and  Quinctilian  account,  from  hence, 
for  the  decay  of  eloquence,  Galen  of  physic,  Petronius  of  painting,  and 
Pliny  of  the  whole  circle  of  the  liberal  arts.  For  being,  as  Longinus 
calls  it,  v oarjfia  funpoTroiov,  a disease  which  narrows  and  contracts  the 
soul,  it  must,  of  course,  restrain  the  generous  efforts  and  expansions  of 
genius ; cramp  the  free  powers  and  energies  of  the  mind,  and  render  it 
unapt  to  open  itself  to  wide  views,  and  to  the  projection  of  great,  exten- 
sive designs.  It  is  so  in  its  consequences.  For,  as  one  says  elegantly, 
when  the  passion  of  avarice  grows  general  in  a country,  the  temples  of 
honor  are  soon  pulled  down,  and  all  men’s  sacrifices  are  made  to  fortune. 
Hurd. 

51  To  preserve  their  books,  the  ancients  rubbed  them  with  oil  of  cedar, 
and  kept  them  in  cases  of  cypress,  because  these  kinds  of  wood  were  not 
liable  to  corruption.  Han. 

52  Omne  tulit  punctum.  Alluding  to  the  manner  of  voting  at  the 
comitia  by  putting  a point  over  the  name  of  a candidate. 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


321 


is  a great  majority  of  beauties  iu  a poem,  I will  not  be  offended 
with  a few  blemishes,  which  either  inattention  has  dropped, 
or  human  nature  has  not  sufficiently  provided  against.  What 
therefore  [is  to  be  determined  in  this  matter]  ? As  a tran- 
scriber, if  he  still  commits  the  same  fault  though  he  has  been 
reproved,  is  without  excuse ; and  the  harper  who  always 
blunders  on  the  same  string,  is  sure  to  be  laughed  at ; so  he 
who  is  excessively  deficient  becomes  another  Choerilus  ; whom, 
when  I find  him  tolerable  in  two  or  three  places,  I wonder  at 
with  laughter ; and  at  the  same  time  am  I grieved  whenever 
honest  Homer  grows  drowsy  ? But  it  is  allowable,  that  sleep 
should  steal  upon  [the  progress  of  ] a long  work. 

As  is  painting,  so  is  poetry : some  pieces  will  strike  you 
more  if  you  stand  near,  and  some,  if  you  are  at  a greater  dis- 
tance : one  loves  the  dark  ; another,  which  is  not  afraid  of  the 
critic’s  subtle  judgment,  chooses  to  be  seen  in  the  light ; the 
one  has  pleased  once , the  other  will  give  pleasure  if  ten  times 
repeated. 

O ye  elder  of  the  youths,  though  you  are  framed  to  a right 
judgment  by  your  father’s  instructions,  and  are  wise  in  your- 
self, yet  take  this  truth  along  with  you,  [and]  remember  it ; 
that  in  certain  things  a medium  and  tolerable  degree  of  emi- 
nence may  be  admitted  : a counselor  and  pleader  at  the  bar 
of  the  middle  rate  is  far  removed  from  the  merit  of  eloquent 
Messala,  nor  has  so  much  knowledge  of  the  law  as  Casselius 
Aulus,  but  yet  he  is  in  request ; [but]  a mediocrity  in  poets63 
neither  gods,  nor  men,  nor  [even]  the  booksellers’  shops  have 
endured.  As  at  an  agreeable  entertainment  discordant  music, 
and  muddy  perfume,  and  poppies  mixed  with  Sardinian64  honey 
give  offense,  because  the  supper  might  have  passed  without 
them ; so  poetry,  created  and  invented  for  the  delight  of  our 
souls,  if  it  comes  short  ever  so  little  of  the  summit,  sinks  to 
the  bottom. 

53  This  judgment,  however  severe  it  may  seem,  is  according  to  the 
practice  of  the  best  critics.  We  have  a remarkable  instance  in  the  case 
of  Apollonius  Rhodius , who  though,  in  the  judgment  of  Quinctilian,  the 
author  of  no  contemptible  poem,  yet  on  account  of  that  equal  medi- 
ocrity which  every  where  prevails  in  him,  was  struck  out  of  the  list  of 
good  writers  by  such  sovereign  judges  of  poetical  merit  as  Aristophanes 
and  Aristarchus.  (Quinct.  L.  x.  c.  1.)  Hurd. 

54  Sardinia  was  full  of  bitter  herbs,  from  whence  the  honey  was  bitter. 
White  poppy  seed,  roasted,  was  mingled  with  honey  by  the  ancients. 
Nan. 

14* 


322 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


He  who  does  not  understand  the  game,  abstains  from  the 
weapons  of  the  Campus  Martius : and  the  unskillful  in  the 
tennis-ball,  the  quoit,  and  the  troques  keeps  himself  quiet; 
lest  the  crowded  ring  should  raise  a laugh  at  his  expense : 
notwithstanding  this,  he  who  knows  nothing  of  verses  pre- 
sumes to  compose.  Why  not ! He  is  free-born,  and  of  a good 
family ; above  all,  he  is  registered  at  an  equestrian  sum  of 
moneys,  and  clear  from  every  vice.  You,  [I  am  persuaded,] 
will  neither  say  nor  do  any  thing  in  opposition  to  Minerva  :55 
such  is  your  judgment,  such  your  disposition.  But  if  ever 
you  shall  write  any  thing,  let  it  be  submitted  to  the  ears  of 
Metius  [Tarpa],  who  is  a judge,  and  your  father’s,  and  mine  ; 
and  let  it  be  suppressed  till  the  ninth  year,  your  papers  being 
laid  up  within  your  own  custody.  You  will  have  it  in  your 
power  to  blot  out  what  you  have  not  made  public : a word 
once  sent  abroad  can  never  return. 

Orpheus,  the  priest  and  interpreter  of  the  gods,  deterred 
the  savage  race  of  men  from  slaughters  and  inhuman  diet ; 
hence  said  to  tame  tigers  and  furious  lions : Amphion  too,  the 
builder  of  the  Theban  wall,  was  said  to  give  the  stones  mo- 
tion with  the  sound  of  his  lyre,  and  to  lead  them  whither- 
soever he  would,  by  engaging  persuasion.  This  was  deemed 
wisdom  of  yore,  to  distinguish  the  public  from  private  weal ; 
things  sacred  from  things  profane ; to  prohibit  a promiscuous 
commerce  between  the  sexes ; to  give  laws  to  married  people ; 
to  plan  out  cities ; to  engrave  laws  on  [tables  of]  wood. 
Thus  honor  accrued  to  divine  poets,  and  their  songs.  After 
these,  excellent  Homer  and  Tyrtseus  animated  the  manly  mind 
to  martial  achievements  with  their  verses.  Oracles  were  de- 
livered in  poetry,  and  the  economy  of  life  pointed  out,  and 
the  favor  of  sovereign  princes  was  solicited  by  Pierian56 

53  Invitd — Minervd.  Cicero,  de  Off.  i.  31,  explains  this  phrase;  “ad- 
versante  et  repugnante  natura.”  And  yet  the  meaning  here  is  not  very 
evident.  Does  Horace  say  that  young  Piso  will  neither  do  nor  say  any 
thing  contrary  to  his  natural  endowments ; implying  that  he  will  not 
attempt  poetry,  as  his  abilities  are  inadequate  ? Or  does  he  mean  to  com- 
pliment him  on  his  capabilities,  by  saying  that  there  is  nothing  which  ho 
will  attempt,  in  which  genius  will  not  favor  and  assist  him  ? The  latter 
appears  to  be  the  correct  interpretation.  Thus  the  obvious  meaning  of 
invita  Minervd  is — Minerva  refusing  her  assistance,  or  discountenancing 
the  attempt ; and  the  interpretation — natural  endowments  refusing  their 
assistance,  or  marring  the  effort. 

56  i.  e.  strains  of  the  muses,  surnamed  Pierides 


HORACE’S  ART  OP  POETRY. 


323 


strains,  games  were  instituted,  and  a [cheerful]  period  put  to 
the  tedious  labors  of  the  day ; [this  I remind  you  of,]  lest 
haply  you  should  be  ashamed  of  the  lyric  muse,  and  Apollo 
the  god  of  song. 

It  has  been  made  a question,  whether  good  poetry  be  de- 
rived from  nature  or  from  art.  For  my  part,  I can  neither 
conceive  what  study  can  do  without  a rich  [natural]  vein, 
nor  what  rude  genius  can  avail  of  itself:  so  much  does  the 
one  require  the  assistance  of  the  other,  and  so  amicably  do 
they  conspire  [to  produce  the  same  effect].  He  who  is  in- 
dustrious to  reach  the  wished-for  goal,  has  done  and  suffered 
much  when  a boy  ; he  has  sweated  and*  shivered  with  cold ; 
he  has  abstained  from  love  and  wine ; he  who  sings  the  Pythian 
strains,67  was  first  a learner,  and  in  awe  of  a master.  But  [in 
poetry]  it  is  now  enough  for  a man  to  say  of  himself : “ I make 
admirable  verses  : a murrain  seize  the  hindmost : it  is  scandal- 
ous for  me  to  be  outstripped,  and  fairly  to  acknowledge  that  I 
am  ignorant,  of  that  which  I never  learned.” 

As  a crier  who  collects  the  crowd  together  to  buy  his 
goods,  so  a poet  rich  in  land,  rich  in  money  put  out  at  inter- 
est, invites  flatterers  to  come  [and  praise  his  works]  for  a re- 
ward. But  if  he  be  one  who  is  well  able  to  set  out  an 
elegant  table,68  and  give  security  for  a poor  man,  and  relieve 
him  when  entangled  in  gloomy  law-suits ; I shall  wonder  if 
with  his  wealth  he  can  distinguish  a true  friend  from  a false 
one.  You,  whether  you  have  made,  or  intend  to  make,  a 
present  to  any  one,  do  not  bring  him  full  of  joy  directly  to 
your  finished  verses : for  then  he  will  cry  out,  “ Charming, 
excellent,  judicious,”  he  will  turn  pale  ; at  some  parts  he  will 
even  distill  the  dew  from  his  friendly  eyes;  he  will  jump 
about ; he  will  beat  the  ground  [with  ecstasy].  As  those 
who  mourn  at  funerals  for  pay,  do  and  say  more  than  those 

57  Pythia  cantica , songs  like  the  hymns  which  were  sung  in  honor  of 
Apollo,  by  the  chorus  in  some  comedies.  A player,  called  Pythaules, 
played  during  the  intervals  when  the  chorus  left  off  singing. 

58  But  compare  M‘Caul’s  note:  “ TJnctum . A savory  dish,  a delicacy. 
Comp,  note,  Epist.  i.  15,  44,  and  It,  12.  Thus  Pers.  Sat.  i.  50:  ‘Cali- 

^dum  scis  ponere  sumen,  Scis  comitem  horridulum  trita  donare  lacerna/ 
etc.,  where  scis  is  a kind  of  comment  on  possit  here  as  calidum  sumen  on 
unctum.  Comp,  also  Sat.  vi.  15:  ‘aut  coenare  sine  undo'  Gesner  and 
Doering,  however,  explain  undum  as  used  for  convivam  (note,  Epist.  i. 
It,  12),  and^orcere  for  collocare,  to  place  at  table  on  a couch.” 


324 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


that  are  afflicted  from  their  hearts ; so  the  sham  admirer  is 
more  moved  than  he  that  praises  with  sincerity.  Certain 
kings  are  said  to  ply  with  frequent  bumpers,  and  by  wine 
make  trial  of  a man  whom  they  are  sedulous  to  know, 
whether  he  be  worthy  of  their  friendship  or  not.  Thus,  if 
you  compose  verses,  let  not  the  fox’s  concealed  intentions  im- 
pose upon  you. 

If  you  had  recited  any  thing  to  Quintilius,  he  would  say, 
“ Alter,  I pray,  this  and  this if  you  replied,  you  could  do 
it  no  better,  having  made  the  experiment  twice  or  thrice  in 
vain ; he  would  order  you  to  blot  out,  and  once  more  apply  to 
the  anvil  your  ill-formed  verses : if  you  choose  rather  to  de- 
fend than  correct  a fault,  he  spent  not  a word  more  nor  fruit- 
less labor,  but  you  alone  might  be  fond  of  yourself  and  your 
own  works,  without  a rival.  A good  and  sensible  man  will 
censure  spiritless  verses,  he  will  condemn  the  rugged,  on  the 
incorrect  he  will  draw  across  a black  stroke  with  his  pen ; he 
will  lop  off  ambitious  [and  redundant]  ornaments ; he  will 
make  him  throw  light  on  the  parts  that  are  not  perspicuous ; 
he  will  arraign  what  is  expressed  ambiguously  ; he  will  mark 
what  should  be  altered ; [in  short,]  he  will  be  an  Aristarchus  :6B 
he  will  not  say,  u Why  should  I give  my  friend  offense  about 
mere  trifles  ?”  These  trifles  will  lead  into  mischiefs  of  serious 
consequence,  when  once  made  an  object  of  ridicule,  and  used 
in  a sinister  manner. 

Like  one  whom  an  odious  plague  or  jaundice,  fanatic 
phrensy  or  lunacy,  distresses ; those  who  are  wise  avoid  a 
mad  poet,  and  are  afraid  to  touch  him ; the  boys  jostle  him, 
and  the  incautious  pursue  him.  If,  like  a fowler  intent  upon 
his  game,  he  should  fall  into  a well  or  a ditch  while  he  belches 
out  his  fustian  verses  and  roams  about,  though  he  should  cry 
out  for  a long  time,  “ Come  to  my  assistance,  O my  country- 
men not  one  would  give  himself  the  trouble  of  taking  him 
up.  Were  any  one  to  take  pains  to  give  him  aid,  and  let 
down  a rope;  “How  do  you  know,  but  he  threw  himself 
in  hither  on  purpose  ?”  I shall  say : and  will  relate  the 
death  of  the  Sicilian  poet.  Empedocles,  while  he  was  am- 

59  Aristarchus  was  a critic,  who  wrote  above  four  score  volumes  of  com- 
ments on  the  Greek  poets.  His  criticisms  on  Homer  were  so  much 
esteemed,  that  no  line  was  thought  genuine  until  he  had  acknowledged 
it.  He  was  surnamed  the  prophet  or  diviner,  for  his  sagacity.  Fran. 


HORACE’S  ART  OF  POETRY. 


325 


bitious  of  being  esteemed  an  immortal  god,  in  cold  blood 
leaped  into  burning  JEtna.60  Let  poets  have  the  privilege 
and  license  to  die  [as  they  please].  He  who  saves  a man 
against  his  will,  does  the  same  with  him  who  kills  him 
[against  his  will].  Neither  is  it  the  first  time  that  he  has 
behaved  in  this  manner ; nor,  were  he  to  be  forced  from  his 
purposes,  would  he  now  become  a man,  and  lay  aside  his  de  - 
sire of  such  a famous  death.  Neither  does  it  appear  suffi- 
ciently, why  he  makes  verses : whether  he  has  defiled  his 
father’s  ashes,  or  sacrilegiously  removed  the  sad  enclosure61 
of  the  vindictive  thunder : it  is  evident  that  he  is  mad,  and 
like  a bear  that  has  burst  through  the  gates  closing  his  den, 
this  unmerciful  rehearser  chases  the  learned  and  unlearned. 
And  whomsoever  he  seizes,  he  fastens  on  and  assassinates  with 
recitation : a leech  that  will  not  quit  the  skin,  till  satiated 
with  blood.62 

60  Ardentem frigidus  AEtnam  insiluit.  “In  cold  blood,  deliberately.” 
Horace,  by  playing  on  the  words  ardentum  frigidus , would  show  that  he 
did  not  believe  the  story,  and  told  it  as  ono  of  the  traditions,  which  poets 
may  use  without  being  obliged  to  vouch  the  truth  of  them.  The  pleas- 
antry continues,  when  he  says,  it  is  murder  to  hinder  a poet  from  killing 
himself;  a maxim,  which  could  not  be  said  seriously.  San. 

61  An  triste  bidental  What  crime  must  that  man  have  committed 
whom  the  gods  in  vengeance  have  possessed  with  a madness  of  writing 
verses?  Bidental  was  a place  struck  with  lightning,  which  the  aruspices 
purified  and  consecrated  with  a sacrifice  of  a sheep,  bidental.  It  was 
an  act  of  sacrilege  ever  to  remove  the  bounds  of  it,  movere  bidental. 
Fjran. 

62  In  concluding  the  annotations  on  the  Art  of  Poetry,  I must  beg 
to  recommend  to  the  reader’s  notice  my  translation  of  Aristotle’s 
Poetic,  with  a collection  of  notes,  as  the  two  treatises  contribute  to  each 
other’s  illustration  in  the  fullest  extent. 


THE  END. 


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